The Federal Trade Commission launched a broad investigation Wednesday into the safety of artificial intelligence systems developed by Anthropic and OpenAI. Officials are examining consumer safety practices as the agency exercises its authority over unfair and deceptive commercial practices.
Federal Trade Commission Targets Generative AI Pioneers
The federal regulatory apparatus has turned its focus directly toward two of the most prominent names in generative artificial intelligence.
According to reporting from the Washington Post, the Federal Trade Commission initiated a wide-ranging examination targeting the safety protocols and operations of both Anthropic and OpenAI.
Unspecified Scope Under Statutory Authority
The full scope and specific endpoints of the inquiry remain partially undisclosed.
However, the agency possesses broad statutory authority to police commercial practices deemed unfair or deceptive to American consumers. A senior agency official disclosed the existence of the probe on Wednesday, speaking anonymously because the proceeding had not yet been made public.
Washington Power Struggles Over Oversight Frameworks
Beyond consumer protection, the newly disclosed federal inquiry intersects directly with ongoing debates in Washington over how the industry should be governed.
The investigation arrives as executive branch officials seek to push back against legislative efforts from lawmakers and certain industry players calling for an entirely new federal regulatory framework dedicated specifically to artificial intelligence.
Administration Defense of Existing Legal Authorities
“The investigation could provide backing for the Trump administration’s position that existing laws are sufficient to hold artificial intelligence companies accountable, as officials seek to resist a push by some in the industry and Congress to establish a new system of regulations for the technology.”
Senior agency official, Federal Trade Commission
