ChatGPT developer OpenAI is facing an investigation by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for alleged violations of consumer protection laws.
This marks the critical evaluation of Microsoft-backed OpenAI since it debuted in November with its AI-powered chatbot ChatGPT.
The investigation focuses on whether OpenAI’s chatbot has harmed consumers due to its data collection and the occasional release of false information to the public. Tools like ChatGPT are also known to sometimes spit out errors, known as “hallucinating.” This can have negative consequences, especially if the information is available to destroy one’s reputation.
The organization will also examine how OpenAI trains AI tools and uses human data.
The FTC began its work this week by sending OpenAI a 20-page search warrant shared online and the Washington Post on Thursday.
It is calling on OpenAI to provide information about any complaints received from the public and details of any cases. It also requires information on OpenAI data release revealed earlier this year involving the temporary disclosure of users’ chat history and payment data.
New artificial intelligence (AI) tools have attracted a lot of attention in recent months due to their incredible capabilities in a variety of tasks. ChatGPT and others like Google’s Bard are text-based tools that can speak naturally, like humans.
This technology is so powerful that it will be able to perform many tasks with more intelligence and skill than humans. In healthcare, for example, the technology is helping to “eliminate tedious and error-prone procedures, bring years of clinical data into the hands of clinicians in seconds, and revolutionize healthcare operations,” according to the charity. McKinsey.
But AI in the workplace will also lead the way the end of countless jobs and great public upheaval. This technology is being used by malicious actors, too, to create and spread false information or to create persuasive scams. Ultimately, some experts fear that without reliable development and proper control of AI, the most advanced forms of technology could turn violent and challenge the human race.
Developments in this sector have been moving so fast in recent months that governments around the world have had to take some regulatory action. Great care must be taken to balance, because too much control can prevent the development of a tool that can bring great benefits to society, while too little can increase the risk of harmful technology.
Currently, the FTC is focusing on OpenAI’s services to determine whether they violate consumer protection laws.
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