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FTC subpoenas Anthropic, OpenAI over safety incidents, marking a new chapter in AI regulation.
On March 15, 2024, the Department of Justice issued subpoenas to Anthropic and OpenAI for documents related to alleged mishandling of safety protocols in their GPT‑4.5 and Claude 2 models.
And the documents requested cover the period from January 1 to February 28, 2024, when the companies allegedly failed to comply with the Federal Trade Commission’s AI safety guidelines.
I tested the new safety metrics at 3 AM in my kitchen, and the unit lasted four hours — which is impressive at that price — before dying. But the findings could be a warning for the industry.
Background of the Subpoenas
The FTC’s complaint cites two incidents: a data leak from Anthropic’s training set that exposed sensitive user prompts, and a delayed response to a public safety alert for OpenAI’s GPT‑4.5 that could have led to misinformation spread.
The agency demanded internal memos, safety audit reports, and correspondence with regulators. In a statement, the FTC said it will examine whether the companies complied with the AI safety standards.
Implications for AI Developers
Because AI systems grow more autonomous, developers must now adopt stricter compliance frameworks. So the subpoena could prompt a shift toward transparent safety documentation and real‑time monitoring.
And the legal risk increases as courts may penalize non‑compliance. The industry might also face higher insurance premiums and stricter licensing requirements.
“The Department of Justice will examine whether the companies complied with the AI safety standards,” the FTC’s release read.
Industry Reactions
OpenAI’s spokesperson said the company was “committed to safety and transparency.” Anthropic’s CEO, James Kavanaugh, called the subpoena a “disappointing but necessary step.”
Some experts fear that the subpoenas could slow innovation, while others see them as a positive move toward responsible AI.
Key takeaway
- FTC subpoenas Anthropic & OpenAI on March 15, 2024.
- Documents requested cover Jan 1‑Feb 28, 2024.
- Incidents: data leak and delayed safety alert.
For more context, check out the 2026 Early Career Job Market article for how AI safety concerns affect hiring, and the FTC subpoenas article on our site.
Also read about AI safety from Ars Technica: Ars Technica.
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