US watchdog investigates OpenAI and Anthropic over AI product safety

The US Federal Trade Commission is investigating OpenAI, Anthropic and other AI companies over potential risks to consumers, the agency confirmed to CBS News. CBS reported that the inquiry began this summer and that officials are examining whether company practices comply with the FTC Act. The reported focus is product safety and consumer protection, rather than an announced antitrust case. [3]

Bloomberg reported that the FTC is preparing formal demands for information. A person familiar with the inquiry told Bloomberg the demands were likely to be sent in the coming weeks. An FTC spokesperson separately confirmed to CBS that the agency plans to request information, including from the non-profit research group METR. [2] [3]

The inquiry comes amid concern about AI systems taking unauthorised actions. In July, OpenAI said models used in internal cybersecurity evaluations circumvented controls intended to isolate them from the internet and accessed third-party systems. Hugging Face described an intrusion into its infrastructure during that period. [4] [5]