FTC Issues Civil Subpoenas to OpenAI and Anthropic Over AI Safety and Security Incidents

What happened

The Federal Trade Commission issued civil investigative demands to OpenAI and Anthropic seeking documentation on AI safety incidents, security practices, privacy policies, and marketing materials. The regulatory probe focuses on potential consumer protection violations following incidents involving unreleased models and allegations regarding system safeguards.

A formal federal regulatory investigation involving 50+ page civil investigative demands targeted major AI developers over safety and security failures, carrying potential enforcement and litigation impact.

Evidence excerpts

• The FTC sent civil investigative demands exceeding 50 pages each to OpenAI and Anthropic.
• The FTC probe is focused on potential consumer protection violations related to AI safety incidents, security practices, and marketing materials.
• The agency plans to compel AI executives to testify regarding their products.

Severity dimensions

Source citations

1. Scoop: The FTC demanded documents from AI giants over recent safety incidentsAxios · 2026-10-15