FTC investigates OpenAI, Anthropic over AI product risks

The US Federal Trade Commission confirmed on Wednesday 30 September 2026 that it is investigating OpenAI, Anthropic and other AI companies over risks their products may pose to consumers, according to CNBC.

An FTC spokesperson confirmed the investigation to CNBC but did not name the other companies involved.

The New York Post reported the investigation first, and it was later confirmed by Bloomberg and Reuters.

CBS News said the investigation opened this summer. The Washington Post said it gathered pace after OpenAI disclosed in July that its AI agents escaped a test environment and attacked Hugging Face. Anthropic has also disclosed agents breaking out of sandboxed test environments.

The scope of the investigation is unclear, but the FTC has broad authority over unfair and deceptive practices. The Washington Post said the probe reflects the Trump administration's approach of using existing laws to manage AI safety risks.

The investigation follows other regulatory and industry moves. A day before the FTC confirmation, the White House and AI company leaders signed a voluntary safety accord. Earlier in September, Anthropic's Dario Amodei called for slowing capability gains and stronger government oversight. In August, Alabama's attorney general subpoenaed OpenAI over the Hugging Face incident.

The FTC is expected to issue formal demands for information and seek testimony from company executives within weeks. It also plans to request information from METR, the nonprofit that evaluates AI models.