FTC investigates OpenAI, Anthropic and other AI labs, reports say
The US Federal Trade Commission is investigating Anthropic, OpenAI and other AI companies, an FTC spokesperson told CBS News on 30 September 2026. The probe looks at whether the companies broke the FTC Act, a law that protects consumers and promotes fair competition. The New York Post reports the agency plans formal demands for information and testimony from executives. The FTC has published no press release.
The short version
- 01An FTC spokesperson confirmed to CBS News that the agency is investigating Anthropic, OpenAI and other AI companies.
- 02A senior official told ABC News it covers allegations of unfair or deceptive acts and potential harms to consumers.
- 03The New York Post reports formal demands, similar to subpoenas, are expected in the coming weeks; the FTC has issued no press release.
At a glance
| Agency | US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) |
|---|---|
| Companies | Anthropic, OpenAI and other AI companies; METR also named |
| Law | FTC Act |
| Confirmed by | An FTC spokesperson, to CBS News |
| Started | This summer, according to CBS News |
| Status | Reported; no FTC press release |
Is the FTC investigating OpenAI and Anthropic?
Yes, according to several news outlets. An FTC spokesperson told CBS News on 30 September 2026 that the agency is investigating Anthropic, OpenAI, other artificial intelligence companies and the AI safety group METR. CBS says the probe was launched this summer. Axios also cited an agency spokesperson.
The FTC has not published a press release about it, so we label this story Reported.
What is the FTC looking at?
CBS News reports the FTC is examining whether the companies' actions violate the FTC Act, a law designed to protect consumers and promote fair competition. A senior FTC official told ABC News that the probe examines allegations of unfair or deceptive acts by AI companies and potential harms to consumers.
Will AI executives have to testify?
The New York Post, which first reported the probe, says the FTC is drafting civil investigative demands, formal demands similar to subpoenas, and expects to issue them in the coming weeks. An official told the Post the agency plans to compel the firms' executives to testify. No deadlines have been reported.
We're not telling them to stop. We're not telling them to do anything. We are in the investigative phase.
Senior FTC official, to the New York Post
What did OpenAI and Anthropic say?
CBS News and the New York Post both report that OpenAI and Anthropic did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Why does it matter?
The FTC is the US agency that protects consumers from unfair and deceptive business practices. An investigation means the companies behind ChatGPT and Claude may have to explain how they keep their products safe and honest for the people who use them.
What's next?
Watch for the FTC's formal demands, which the New York Post says are expected in the coming weeks, and for any public statement from the agency or the companies.
Questions people ask
Which companies is the FTC investigating?
Anthropic, OpenAI and other AI companies, according to an FTC spokesperson quoted by CBS News. The AI safety group METR is also named.
Has the FTC announced the investigation?
Not in a press release. An FTC spokesperson confirmed it to CBS News, and senior officials spoke to ABC News and the New York Post.
What law is involved?
The FTC Act, which protects consumers and promotes fair competition. A senior official told ABC News the probe covers allegations of unfair or deceptive acts.
Is the FTC trying to stop AI development?
A senior FTC official told the New York Post the agency is not telling the companies to stop and is in the investigative phase.
Sources
- PrimaryCBS News: FTC investigating OpenAI, Anthropic (30 Sep 2026)
- CoverageABC News: FTC opens probe into safety of AI (30 Sep 2026)
- CoverageNew York Post: FTC opens sweeping probe of Anthropic, OpenAI (30 Sep 2026)
- CoverageAxios: FTC investigating OpenAI and Anthropic over AI safety (30 Sep 2026)
Why "Reported"? We label a story "Reported" when only the media have it so far. Spotted an error? Email hello@openloopnews.com and we will correct it.
