US FTC Probes Whether OpenAI, Anthropic Can Control AI Agents
Summary
- The US Federal Trade Commission said it will investigate how AI companies including OpenAI and Anthropic control and manage AI agents.
- The probe targets unfair or deceptive acts and practices that could violate the law and could lead to corrective action depending on the findings.
- The investigation could weigh on the listing plans of OpenAI and Anthropic, both of which are pursuing IPOs.
Forecast Trend Report by Period
The US Federal Trade Commission is investigating how artificial intelligence companies, including OpenAI and Anthropic, control and manage AI agents. The probe could lead to corrective action, potentially complicating both companies' plans for initial public offerings.
The New York Post reported on September 30 that a senior FTC official said the agency began investigating major AI companies several weeks ago under the direction of Chairman Andrew Ferguson. The FTC also plans to have executives testify about risks they themselves have said their products could create.
The investigation is the first formal US government action targeting AI agents that may move beyond human control. It comes amid rising concern over AI following the hacking incident involving an OpenAI AI agent on Hugging Face in July.
The FTC plans to examine allegations of unfair or deceptive acts and practices that could violate the law. The report said the agency is also drafting civil investigative demands, or CIDs, to compel testimony from company executives. Anthropic is expected to pursue a listing around the November US midterm elections.
Son Ju-hyung, Hankyung.com reporter handbro@hankyung.com
Korea Economic Daily
hankyung@bloomingbit.ioThe Korea Economic Daily Global is a digital media where latest news on Korean companies, industries, and financial markets.