In response to growing concerns over the risk posed by generating false information, the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has begun an investigation into artificial intelligence (AI) firm OpenAI, backed by Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT).
News of the FTC's investigation into OpenAI was initially reported by the Washington Post, however, OpenAI has not yet publicly commented on the matter.
The inquiry, which targets potential hazards to individual reputations, signifies an escalating wave of regulatory scrutiny directed towards AI technology.
As the technology races to prominence, a heated debate has sparked over its data usage, response accuracy and possible violation of author rights during the product's training phase.
The FTC is specifically querying the precautions taken by OpenAI to mitigate the potential harm of its AI products generating deceptive or defamatory statements about real people.
Regulators are also examining OpenAI's stance on data privacy and the methods used to gather data for training the AI.
CEO not happy with the leak
Open AI CEO Sam Altman voiced his disapproval about the information leak on the investigation, and he tweeted: It is very disappointing to see the FTC's request start with a leak and does not help build trust.
"That said, it’s super important to us that our technology is safe and pro-consumer, and we are confident we follow the law. of course, we will work with the FTC."
Earlier this year, Altman addressed the potential risk of AI technology errors before Congress, advocating for the establishment of regulations and oversight for the burgeoning industry.
See: Open AI CEO calls for urgent AI regulation in the US
At the hearing, Altman stressed the need for a new agency dedicated to licensing AI companies, considering the rapid introduction of several AI models into the market.
While AI systems like ChatGPT can generate human-like responses, they can also produce highly inaccurate information.
Altman acknowledged both the positive and negative impacts of AI, comparing its potential significance to that of the printing press.
It is very disappointing to see the FTC's request start with a leak and does not help build trust.That said, it’s super important to us that out technology is safe and pro-consumer, and we are confident we follow the law. of course we will work with the FTC.
— Sam Altman (@sama) July 13, 2023