FTC) is investigating the popular chatbot ChatGPT over potential consumer harm, according to a lette

The #FederalTrade #Commission (#FTC) is investigating the popular #chatbot #ChatGPT over potential consumer harm, according to a letter sent to its parent company @OpenAI. The agency is investigating whether the #AItool has harmed people by generating incorrect information about them. The investigation, first reported by the Washington Post, also looks into OpenAI's privacy and data security practices. The FTC declined to comment, and OpenAI did not respond to requests for comment. Lawmakers from New York to California have been hashing out how to regulate the burgeoning technology. Congressman Ted Lieu, D-CA, has proposed putting together an AI commission to study the impact of the technology. Senate Majority Leader #CharlesSchumer, D-N.Y., is working on possible AI legislation. Experts say regulation could be months, even years off.

OpenAI, @Microsoft, and other companies selling #generativeAI systems welcome #regulation. The FTC has responded appropriately by seeking extensive disclosure of how industry leader #OpenAI assembles and refines its artificial intelligence models. Lina Khan, the FTC chair, is taking swings at Big Tech as FTC chair and changing how it does #business. Under the helm of Commissioner Lina Khan, the watchdog agency has gone after major tech companies such as Meta, Amazon, and Microsoft.

The #watchdog #agency has also repeatedly said #AI is under the purview of #consumer #protection laws. ChatGPT has been scrutinized for parroting false information about various individuals, including radio hosts and #lawyers. In one incident, the chatbot said a lawyer was accused of harassing a student--but that incident never reportedly happened. In addition to potential risks to consumers from false statements, the FTC is concerned about security issues with ChatGPT. In its letter, it pointed to an incident OpenAI revealed in March 2023, saying a bug lets users see other users' #chathistory and #payment-related information. Some industry groups and conservative think tanks have decried the FTC's investigation, saying it could stifle innovation. Chair #Khan has put the entire industry in the crosshairs. In other news, the federal deficit nearly tripled, raising concern about the country's finances. #Hollywood actors go on strike, say it is time for studio executives to 'wake up.' Business, economics, technology, and politics are all being discussed. The FTC's investigation is seen as a shakedown, as AI advances could boost US productivity.