MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall has announced that an investigation was recently opened into the technology corporation OpenAI, alleging “lack of oversight” from a data breach caused by artificial intelligence.
A statement from Marshall’s office said that the investigation was launched following a letter sent by a multi-state coalition that included Alabama to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman that demanded transparency from the company regarding its control over AI.
The statement cites an incident in July in which an experimental artificial intelligence model hacked into the networks of another AI company. The investigation reportedly seeks to probe whether or not it violated Alabama’s consumer protection laws and posed a harm for citizens.
“This AI lab leak showed that Alabamians’ and Americans’ worst fears about artificial intelligence are not just theoretical. Our investigation seeks to uncover the facts and address hard truths about the threats companies and consumers are facing from rogue AI,” Marshall said. “Ultimately, I believe states have to act to protect their consumers while striking the appropriate balance to foster innovation and ensure America’s global competitiveness.”
It also seeks to investigate if OpenAI violated Alabama’s Deceptive Trade Practices Act and other consumer protection laws.
