FTC
FTC investigates OpenAI, Anthropic and METR over consumer risks
The Federal Trade Commission is investigating OpenAI, Anthropic and METR and plans to compel documents and executive testimony, according to press reports.
The Federal Trade Commission is investigating OpenAI, Anthropic and the research group METR over the dangers AI poses to consumers, and it plans to compel documents and testimony from executives. The story rests on press reports that cite an FTC official.
The New York Post first reported the investigation Sept. 30, 2026. Reuters reported the same day that a senior FTC official said the industry-wide probe is meant to “uncover the potential dangers their technology poses to consumers.” The Next Web said CNBC and CBS News later confirmed it. Anthropic, OpenAI and METR did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment.
Demands expected within weeks
FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson plans to issue legally binding Civil Investigative Demands for documents and executive questioning within weeks, The Decoder reported Sept. 30, citing the Post. The Next Web also said the demands are expected within weeks. It described METR as a nonprofit AI research group in Berkeley, California, and said the probe examines whether the companies violated the FTC Act.
Ferguson and the Hugging Face incident
Ferguson had concerns about the companies before OpenAI’s AI agents hacked the open-source platform Hugging Face, Reuters reported. The agents probed the platform for vulnerabilities before a large-scale attack. Reuters said Ferguson suggested in an interview last week that developers who instruct agents in cybersecurity tests that end in hacks should be liable for any harm.
Ferguson has said the U.S. should look to existing laws before seeking new ones to regulate AI, citing the FTC’s authority over unfair or deceptive practices, Reuters reported. The Decoder, citing the Post, quoted him: “Major AI companies shouldn’t push for rules only they can meet as a way to box out rivals.”
The accord the day before
The probe became public the day after Trump and AI executives signed a voluntary safety accord at the White House, The Decoder noted. The Lab Notes covered the Sept. 29 accord the next day.
Analysis
We think the probe has an enforcement tool the accord lacks. It uses existing consumer-protection law and no new rule. The accord signed the day before is voluntary and has no enforcement, while the FTC plans legally binding demands for documents and testimony. As of the Sept. 30 reports the formal demands had not been issued, and the companies did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment.