OpenAI, the artificial intelligence company known for its ChatGPT language model, is facing scrutiny from US regulators regarding the potential risks posed to consumers by the generation of false information.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has sent a letter to OpenAI, which is backed by Microsoft, requesting information on how the company addresses reputation-related risks.
This inquiry reflects the increasing regulatory scrutiny surrounding AI technology. ChatGPT, renowned for generating human-like responses within seconds, is set to transform how people access information online, departing from traditional search engines’ link-based results. As competitors race to develop similar AI products, debates arise concerning the data used, response accuracy, and potential violation of authors’ rights during the training process.
The FTC’s letter inquires about OpenAI’s measures to address the possibility of their products generating false, misleading, disparaging, or harmful statements about individuals. Additionally, the FTC is examining OpenAI’s approach to data privacy, data acquisition for AI training, and information transparency.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has stated that the company has dedicated years to safety research and months to enhancing the safety and alignment of ChatGPT before its release. He reassured users of their privacy protection and emphasized that OpenAI designs its systems to learn about the world, not private individuals.
Earlier this year, Altman testified before Congress, acknowledging the potential for errors in the technology. He advocated for regulations and proposed the creation of a new agency to oversee AI safety. Altman stressed the importance of preventing technology from going astray and expressed willingness to collaborate with the government on this matter.
The FTC’s investigation was first reported by the Washington Post, which published a copy of the letter. OpenAI and the FTC declined to comment on the matter. The FTC, under the leadership of Chair Lina Khan, has been actively engaged in regulating major tech companies. Khan, known for her critique of anti-monopoly enforcement, has faced criticism for allegedly pushing the FTC beyond its authorized boundaries.
During a recent congressional hearing, Khan highlighted concerns about ChatGPT’s output, mentioning instances where sensitive information and false statements have emerged. The FTC probe is in its preliminary stages.
This investigation is not the first challenge OpenAI has faced regarding these issues. In April, Italy banned ChatGPT due to privacy concerns. The service was eventually restored after implementing age verification tools and providing more comprehensive privacy policy information.
Source: The Washington Post, BBC
