FTC Sends Information Demands to OpenAI and Anthropic in Probe

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sent information demands to OpenAI and Anthropic on Oct. 14 in an inquiry into potential consumer-protection violations, extending federal scrutiny of AI companies.

The FTC confirmed it sought information from both companies, but the demands' contents have not been made public. The agency has not announced a lawsuit or fine against either company, and the inquiry itself does not establish that either violated the law.

The agency had confirmed the investigation on Sept. 30, before sending the new demands. The FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection uses investigative demands to gather evidence in inquiries into possible unfair or deceptive practices. Civil penalties may be available in some circumstances, but a demand does not itself impose a penalty.

FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson said Sept. 25 that the agency's authority over companies that fail to disclose data breaches could also apply to AI developers. He did not announce that the FTC would use that approach in this investigation.

An OpenAI spokesperson said, “We will engage constructively with the FTC.”