Multiple state attorneys general have launched an investigation into OpenAI, examining a range of practices at the artificial intelligence company. The inquiry covers topics including how OpenAI handles advertising policies and its management of health data, according to reports.
The investigation represents a new front of regulatory scrutiny for OpenAI, which has faced increasing attention from government officials as its AI products have gained widespread use. The company's ChatGPT chatbot and other tools have raised questions about data privacy, content moderation, and consumer protection across various jurisdictions.
Which states are participating in the investigation has not been disclosed. State-level enforcement actions have become an increasingly common avenue for technology regulation in the United States, particularly when federal agencies have not moved quickly on emerging issues. Attorneys general from multiple states often coordinate investigations into technology companies, sharing resources and information.
The scope of the inquiry appears broad, touching on both commercial practices around advertising and sensitive matters involving health information. How AI companies collect, store, and use health data has emerged as a particular concern among regulators, given the sensitive nature of medical information and the potential for AI systems to process such data in ways users may not fully understand.
OpenAI has faced other regulatory challenges in recent months as governments worldwide grapple with how to oversee rapidly advancing AI technology. The company has emphasized its commitment to safety and responsible development, but questions persist about transparency, data handling, and the potential impacts of its systems. The state investigation adds to a growing list of oversight efforts that could shape how OpenAI and other AI companies operate going forward.