The US Federal Trade Commission is investigating OpenAI, Anthropic and other artificial intelligence companies, focusing on potential product safety risks, according to multiple reports. The inquiry follows heightened public concern about how AI systems could harm consumers, alongside high-profile cybersecurity incidents.
Several outlets report that the FTC is using its consumer-protection authority to examine whether AI labs have violated federal rules against unfair or deceptive practices. The New York Times and Wall Street Journal describe the probe as centered on whether companies mislead the public about dangers or risks associated with their technology. Bloomberg, CBS News and Quartz describe the investigation as involving product safety concerns more broadly.
Outlets also differ slightly on what is emphasized. Some reports highlight the safety of AI products, while others focus on consumer harms and compliance with consumer-protection statutes. Quartz and CBS News add that the FTC first opened the investigation earlier this summer, and that the probe was confirmed on Wednesday by an FTC spokesperson, as reported by outlets including CNBC and The Next Web.
