FTC launches inquiry into AI chatbot companions from Meta, OpenAI, and others

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has launched an inquiry into the safety and security practices of AI chatbot companies, including Meta and OpenAI. The investigation aims to understand how these companies assess the potential risks and harms associated with their AI-powered chatbot companions. The FTC is particularly interested in learning about the methods used by AI companies to evaluate the safety and reliability of their chatbots, as well as the steps they take to mitigate the risks of users being exposed to harmful or misleading content. The inquiry will also explore the companies' data collection and privacy practices, and how they ensure that user information is protected. The FTC's move comes amid growing concerns about the potential misuse of AI chatbots, which have been increasingly used for a variety of purposes, from customer service to mental health support. The regulator's investigation is part of a broader effort to ensure that the development and deployment of AI technologies prioritize consumer protection and public safety.