OpenAI Faces Complaint to FTC That Calls for Suspension and Investigation of ChatGPT Tech

A prominent AI ethics organization submitted a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission this week urging the agency to investigate ChatGPT-maker OpenAI. Specifically, OpenAI is facing a complaint to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that is seeking the suspension and investigation of its ChatGPT tech. This development raises serious questions about the future of AI development and regulation.

Moreover, the complaint was issued by On Thursday the U.S.’s Center for AI and Digital Policy (CAIDP) filed a formal complaint with the Federal Trade Commission, calling on the agency to “halt further” development and deployment of OpenAI's large language models. The complaint, made public by the nonprofit research group Center for AI and Digital Policy on Thursday, accuses OpenAI of violating Section 5 of the FTC Act, which prohibits unfair or deceptive acts or practices in commerce.

The core of the complaint revolves around concerns about ChatGPT's potential for generating misleading or biased information, as well as its data privacy practices. The CAIDP argues that OpenAI's current safeguards are insufficient to prevent the spread of misinformation and that the technology poses a risk to consumers. This isn't the first time OpenAI has faced scrutiny, but this formal complaint to the FTC represents a significant escalation.

The FTC's investigation, if initiated, could have significant implications for OpenAI and the wider AI industry. A suspension of ChatGPT development would allow for a deeper evaluation of the technology's risks and benefits and could lead to stricter regulations on AI development moving forward. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as the FTC considers the complaint and determines its next steps.