US regulators are currently investigating OpenAI, the maker of the popular AI chatbot ChatGPT, amid rising tensions over AI’s influence. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has launched a probe into OpenAI to assess the risks posed by artificial intelligence. This news comes at a time when Hollywood screenwriters have gone on strike, protesting against AI-powered production processes.
On July 13, the FTC sent a letter to OpenAI, expressing its intention to investigate ChatGPT. The regulator is particularly interested in whether the chatbot has disseminated false information about individuals or engaged in privacy and data security practices that are considered unfair or deceptive.
This investigation follows the FTC’s warning to the AI industry back in May, where it expressed its focus on how companies utilize AI technology. The FTC is concerned about the potential impact on consumers, especially with the emergence of new generative AI tools.
In its request to OpenAI, the regulator seeks internal materials, information about how user data is retained, and details on how the company handles content generated by its AI language model, including anything that might be false, misleading, or disparaging.
FTC chair Lina Khan has voiced her concern about reports where people’s sensitive information is revealed in response to inquiries from others. This investigation aims to ensure that OpenAI’s technology is safe and pro-consumer, while also adhering to the law.
On a related note, Hollywood screenwriters have initiated a strike due to mounting concerns surrounding the influence of AI-powered production processes on their livelihoods. SAG-AFTRA, the largest labor union representing performers and broadcasters, announced its support and participation in the strike on July 14.
Outside Los Angeles film studios, picket lines have formed as AI critics claim that studio executives want to replace unionized artists with compliant robots. These developments highlight the tension between traditional forms of creative work and the rise of AI technology in the entertainment industry.
In an unrelated context, Meta’s LLaMA artificial intelligence platform is being made available for customization by corporate users. However, the company has faced significant setbacks in the past, including the failure of a cryptocurrency project and its metaverse initiative.
As US regulators continue to investigate OpenAI and Hollywood screenwriters take a stand against AI-powered production processes, the impact of AI on various industries remains a topic of significant debate and interest.
