OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, has publicly responded to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) investigation into the company’s AI chatbot, ChatGPT. The investigation centers around concerns of potential breaches of consumer protection laws by OpenAI, which could jeopardize the personal data and reputations of users.
Expressing disappointment in the FTC’s approach, Sam took to Twitter, stating, It is very disappointing to see the FTC’s request start with a leak and does not help build trust. Despite this setback, he reassured the public of OpenAI’s commitment to cooperating with the FTC. He emphasized the company’s dedication to ensuring the safety of their technology, its pro-consumer nature, and compliance with the law.
The investigation by the FTC stems from a security incident disclosed by OpenAI in March 2023. A bug in their system allowed certain users to access payment-related information and chat history of others. The FTC has issued a 20-page demand for records, seeking further information regarding OpenAI’s handling of potential issues related to their AI models.
Sam highlighted the rigorous safety measures implemented by OpenAI, noting that their latest AI model, GPT-4, was built upon years of safety research. He emphasized that OpenAI devoted over six months to enhancing the safety and alignment of GPT-4 after the initial training, before its release. The CEO also reassured users that OpenAI prioritizes privacy and designs its systems to gather knowledge about the world, rather than individual users.
Transparency regarding the limitations of their technology was another point emphasized by Sam. He drew attention to OpenAI’s capped-profits structure, which means the company isn’t driven by incentivized unlimited returns.
The FTC’s investigation follows a request from the Center for AI and Digital Policy (CAIDP) in March 2023 to investigate OpenAI for potential violations of consumer protection rules. The CAIDP raised concerns about the rollout of AI text generation tools, claiming it was biased, deceptive, and posed a risk to public safety.
While OpenAI works to resolve the FTC investigation, Sam Altman’s public response showcases the company’s commitment to maintaining user privacy and ensuring their technology adheres to strict safety standards. OpenAI’s dedication to transparency and their focus on the greater good of consumers is evident.
