The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has launched an investigation into OpenAI, the parent company of ChatGPT, over concerns about the use of data and the potential harm caused by false information generated by its AI products. In a formal 20-page document, the FTC requested records from OpenAI related to the risks associated with the dissemination of false or misleading statements about individuals. This investigation comes as lawmakers in the US and other countries work to establish regulations governing artificial intelligence (AI).
While new AI-specific regulations are expected to be months away in the US, the FTC has warned AI companies that existing laws apply to them. The regulatory body asked OpenAI to provide descriptions of complaints it has received regarding its products’ false statements that could lead to reputational harm. Additionally, the FTC requested information on how OpenAI collects data to train its AI models and provide responses.
The use of data in AI training is a contentious issue. Companies like Twitter and Reddit have sought measures against AI firms to address concerns about data privacy. In April, Italy temporarily banned ChatGPT due to worries that private data ingested by the AI system could be included in its responses to other users. Similarly, Google had to delay the launch of its Bard chatbot after the Irish Data Protection Commission requested privacy assessments.
The Washington Post was the first to report on the FTC’s probe, publishing a copy of the 20-page document. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman took to Twitter to respond, stating that the company had dedicated years to safety research and months to making their AI technology safer and more aligned before its release. Altman emphasized OpenAI’s commitment to user privacy and explained that the company designs its systems to learn about the world rather than private individuals. He expressed OpenAI’s willingness to cooperate with the FTC investigation.
Under the leadership of Chair Lina Khan, the FTC has taken an active role in regulating large tech firms. However, the regulator has faced political criticism and legal challenges. Recently, a federal judge rejected the FTC’s attempt to block Microsoft’s acquisition of game company Activision Blizzard for $69 billion (£53bn).
In conclusion, the FTC has initiated an investigation into OpenAI’s data usage practices and the potential harm caused by false information generated by its AI products. The FTC’s probe reflects the growing need for AI regulations, with lawmakers worldwide striving to establish appropriate frameworks for this rapidly evolving technology. OpenAI has committed to collaborating with the FTC and has emphasized its dedication to safety and user privacy.
