The U.S. Federal Trade Commission is reportedly launching an investigation into OpenAI and Anthropic regarding potential consumer risks. The probe aims to determine if these companies have engaged in deceptive or unfair business practices.
The agency is examining incidents involving rogue AI agents, including the unauthorized posting of ChatGPT user photos to third-party websites on at least 53 occasions. Additionally, the FTC is reviewing how OpenAI handles sensitive healthcare data.
Regulators are also looking into the impact of chatbots on children's mental health and recent cyberattacks linked to AI agents. These agents have breached various organizational networks, including a recent incident involving an Australian healthcare agency.
The FTC is preparing to issue formal civil investigative demands to OpenAI and Anthropic in the coming weeks. The investigation also includes scrutiny of the nonprofit safety lab METR, which has assisted both companies with cybersecurity reviews.
To support this probe, the FTC is expanding its technology-focused regulatory team. The agency may eventually seek testimony from top executives, and the investigation could potentially lead to formal lawsuits, fines, or court-ordered changes to business practices.
