In a Congressional hearing intended to protect consumers from fraud and other deceptive practices, US Federal Trade Commission head Lina Khan and fellow commissioners have warned about the risks associated with modern AI technologies such as ChatGPT. According to Khan, these technologies have the potential to “turbocharge fraud” if used in the wrong way.
Khan spoke with House representatives to detail how AI could be used to scam people, even when it appears that the technology provides reliable services. “We’ve been putting market participants on notice that instances in which AI tools are effectively being designed to deceive people can place them on the hook for FTC action,” she said.
The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is an independent government agency responsible for protecting American citizens from fraud and deceptive practices. Headquartered in Washington, DC, the FTC strives to make the market a safer and more efficient place for businesses and consumers. Chair Lina Khan is credited for leading the organization in a more technologically savvy direction.
Khan is a Yale Law school graduate who worked with the White House and the Department of Justice prior to her tenure at the FTC. Since being appointed, she has focused on introducing policies and education initiatives regarding artificial intelligence. Her main goal is to ensure that the FTC continues to be the main force in protecting consumers, especially in the age of emerging technology.
