Key facts
- The FTC proposed a policy on how it will apply its authority to the AI sector.
- The agency stated that AI companies whose chatbots produce responses reflecting "ideological objectives" may violate federal law.
- Efforts by AI companies to avoid responses that discriminate against specific groups could conflict with the FTC Act's prohibition on unfair or deceptive business practices.
- Complying with a Colorado law aimed at preventing AI-driven discrimination could violate the FTC Act, the agency said.
- The FTC will accept public comment on the proposed policy until July 31.
The Federal Trade Commission on Wednesday proposed a policy indicating that artificial intelligence companies whose chatbots generate responses reflecting "ideological objectives" may be in violation of federal law. This move is part of the FTC's proposed approach to regulating the AI sector.
The agency stated that AI companies attempting to train their chatbots to avoid responses that discriminate against certain groups might contravene Section 5 of the Federal Trade Act, which prohibits unfair or deceptive business practices. The FTC also noted that adherence to a Colorado law designed to prevent AI-driven discrimination in employment and other critical decisions could potentially violate the FTC Act.
This development aligns with criticisms from U.S. President Donald Trump and other conservatives who have accused AI chatbots of exhibiting political bias against them. The FTC is currently accepting public comments on the proposed policy until July 31.