FTC Launches Formal Investigation into OpenAI and Anthropic Over Consumer Risks

In early October 2026, the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) escalated its oversight of the artificial intelligence sector, launching a sweeping formal investigation into major AI firms, most notably OpenAI and Anthropic. This probe represents the most significant regulatory action against frontier ...

The FTC's action follows months of mounting pressure from consumer advocacy groups and bipartisan congressional committees demanding stricter guardrails on autonomous systems. With AI deeply embedded in financial services, healthcare, and human resources, the potential for algori...

At the core of the FTC's investigation is the assertion that AI companies may be engaging in deceptive practices regarding how user data is ingested, processed, and monetized. Subpoenas issued to both OpenAI and Anthropic demand detailed technical documentation on their telemetry systems and data retention policies....