FTC opens an investigation into OpenAI over consumer harm

The US Federal Trade Commission opened a non-public investigation into OpenAI, reported on 13 July 2023 by The Washington Post. A 20-page civil investigative demand asked how ChatGPT handles personal data and whether what it says about people is unfair or deceptive.

Why it mattered An American federal regulator was examining a generative AI company under consumer protection law that already existed, rather than waiting for a statute written for AI.