OpenAI accused of violating trade laws

31.03.2023 14:33

The Technology Ethics Group dealing with AI issues has called on the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate OpenAI.

Researchers at the non-profit Center for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Policy (CAIDP) claim that the release of GPT-4 violated trade laws. In their opinion, the product deceives consumers and puts them at risk.

The center's specialists referred to section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act. According to the document, "unfair or misleading actions or practices in the field of trade or affecting it" are prohibited.

CAIDP stated that OpenAI violated the law by releasing the product. According to them, the company is aware of the dangers, but ignored them.

In the complaint, the center called on officials to study and possibly regulate OpenAI's generative artificial intelligence technology, especially its latest model GPT-4.

"The Federal Trade Commission has stated that the use of AI should be "transparent, explicable, fair and empirically sound, promoting accountability." The OpenAI GPT-4 product does not meet any of these requirements," the center said.

The authors of the complaint consider it necessary to create an independent oversight body and evaluate commercial AI products available in the United States. They also demand to suspend the deployment of services based on GPT models until they comply with the law.

"CAIDP calls on the FTC to launch an investigation into OpenAI, prohibit further commercial releases of GPT-4 and ensure that the necessary barriers are created to protect consumers, businesses and the commercial market," the statement said.

The Group also highlighted the shortcomings and risks noted in the report describing the technical capabilities of the model.

OpenAI recognized that GPT-4 is far from perfect. It can reinforce stereotypes, generate malicious text and spread false information. Startup CEO Sam Altman stated that he was "a little scared" of the impact of technology on society.

In addition, the center criticized the company for low transparency regarding the training model and data.

Recall that in March, more than a thousand AI experts called for the suspension of the development of large language models for six months. Among the signatories of the letter is the director of CAIDP Mark Rotenberg.

Two days later, another group of industry experts criticized the initiative.

In February, the FTC called on developers to responsibly advertise AI products. Otherwise, unscrupulous entrepreneurs were promised to be punished.


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