FTC investigates OpenAI and Anthropic over AI safety risks

The Federal Trade Commission has opened an investigation into OpenAI, Anthropic and other artificial intelligence companies over potential dangers their systems may pose to consumers, an FTC spokesperson confirmed. The inquiry brings federal scrutiny to the companies, but it does not mean the agency has found a violation.

The development follows earlier reporting that the agency had opened a confidential product-safety probe. A more recent account, citing a person familiar with the matter, said the FTC sent civil investigative demands to OpenAI and Anthropic on Oct. 14. Those reported requests sought information about recent safety incidents, company safeguards, marketing materials and privacy policies. The account said each demand exceeded 50 pages.

The demands are not public. The available reporting did not include copies, so their precise legal authority, wording, deadlines and full scope remain without documentary confirmation. The other AI companies included in the broader investigation have not been identified.

According to the account, civil investigative demands are evidence-gathering tools used before potential litigation. The FTC spokesperson who confirmed the investigation declined to provide further details.

An OpenAI spokesperson said safety remained a top priority and that the company would engage constructively with the FTC. Anthropic had not commented in the published accounts.