US FTC Opens Probe Into OpenAI, Anthropic Over AI Agent Risks

The US Federal Trade Commission has opened an investigation involving OpenAI, Anthropic and other AI laboratories to assess the risks that artificial intelligence agents may pose to consumers.

The inquiry will examine consumer risks and seek to determine the companies’ responsibility for their AI systems.

Its focus on AI agents places consumer protection at the centre of the investigation, alongside questions about corporate accountability.

The brief announcement did not identify the other laboratories involved or provide details on the investigation’s timetable. It also did not specify particular consumer incidents or alleged violations.

The opening of the inquiry does not establish wrongdoing by any of the companies involved.