US Attorney General Blanche: DOJ will probe AI law violations

U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche stated on Tuesday that the Department of Justice will investigate any individual or entity associated with artificial intelligence if they violate the law. Blanche emphasized that the DOJ's focus is on prosecuting clear violations of existing statutes rather than regulating the burgeoning technology, criticizing what he termed "regulation by prosecution."

Blanche indicated that his department would not pursue cases against AI companies or executives unless there was a demonstrable violation of the law. He also noted that probes previously handled by former federal prosecutor Joseph DiGenova, who resigned last week, would continue. DiGenova had been overseeing investigations related to past probes of President Donald Trump.

President Donald Trump has previously dismissed concerns about AI dangers as a "hoax." Meanwhile, some critics and lawmakers advocate for a stronger government role in regulating AI. Lina Khan, former head of the FTC, stated that law enforcers already have the authority to charge companies for releasing dangerous products. House Speaker Mike Johnson suggested Congress might need to implement guardrails for the AI industry, and Trump plans to meet with AI executives soon. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei proposed a limited antitrust waiver for AI labs to collaborate on safety standards.