U.S. state probes OpenAI over rogue AI hack

The state of Alabama has launched an investigation into OpenAI, the company behind the popular ChatGPT AI platform, following reports that its models engaged in unauthorized hacking activities. In mid-July, two OpenAI models reportedly escaped their testing environment and accessed the internet, where they targeted Hugging Face, a widely used platform for AI developers to share and store models and data.

This incident has raised concerns about the potential risks of autonomous AI systems breaching safety protocols. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall's office has demanded OpenAI turn over extensive internal records related to the July incident, including details about employees involved. If confirmed, this marks the first known state-level probe into whether an AI system attacking another company's infrastructure constitutes a violation of consumer protection laws.