FTC investigates Anthropic and OpenAI over AI security incidents
The Federal Trade Commission is investigating Anthropic and OpenAI over whether security incidents involving their AI systems harmed consumers, according to a source cited by Axios. The inquiry could lead to legal action if the FTC finds evidence that the companies released unsafe products or misled the public.
The FTC sent each firm civil investigative demands on Wednesday, reportedly containing more than 50 pages of questions about incidents, security measures and marketing. The agency is also expected to seek information from third parties targeted by the companies’ AI agents. The investigation follows reports that both firms delayed notifying authorities about some security incidents, while FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson has said companies should be accountable for harms caused by their products.
- The FTC is investigating Anthropic and OpenAI over AI security incidents.
- Requests reportedly cover incidents, safeguards and marketing claims.
- The inquiry could lead to lawsuits over consumer harm.
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The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is a US government agency that enforces consumer protection laws and investigates business practices. Anthropic and OpenAI are companies that develop artificial intelligence systems, including tools that can generate text and carry out tasks for users.
AI systems can make mistakes or create security risks, and tools known as agents may interact with websites or other services on a user’s behalf. Questions about how companies test these systems, explain their risks and respond to incidents matter to consumers and to organisations whose systems may be affected. The FTC can investigate possible harm or misleading claims, and in some cases take legal action.
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The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A thorough FTC inquiry could clarify whether the companies’ systems exposed consumers or third parties to foreseeable harms, and whether their security claims matched their practices. Supporters argue that firms should be accountable for unsafe products or misleading assurances, and that scrutiny can encourage timely disclosure and stronger safeguards as AI agents become more capable.
The case against
The companies could reasonably argue that an investigation should distinguish proven consumer harm from emerging technical risks, and assess incidents in their full context before implying misconduct. They may also contend that extensive demands and the prospect of legal action could divert resources from security work or discourage candid reporting, so oversight should be evidence-based and proportionate.
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Originally published by Ars Technica as “Report: FTC probes Anthropic, OpenAI after Trump dismissed AI fears as “hoax””.