FTC commissioner questions status of Snap AI chatbot complaint: 'People deserve answers'

On Friday, U.S. Federal Trade Commission Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter expressed her concerns regarding the ongoing inquiry into Snap's artificial intelligence chatbot, My AI. Earlier this year, the FTC referred a confidential complaint about this chatbot to the Department of Justice, citing potential dangers it may pose to young users. In January, the FTC had announced that it was taking action against Snap, emphasizing the need for accountability in protecting minors from possible risks associated with the chatbot's interactions. During her appearance on CNBC's 'The Exchange,' Slaughter remarked, "We don’t know what has happened to that complaint, and neither does the public. People deserve transparency on this matter." Launched in 2023, Snap's My AI chatbot utilizes advanced language models developed by OpenAI and Google. However, it has faced criticism due to some inappropriate responses that have raised alarms among users and watchdogs alike. Both the DOJ and Snap have not yet provided comments on this situation. Slaughter's remarks followed a White House dinner hosted by President Donald Trump, where he met with several prominent tech leaders, including CEOs from Google, Meta, and Apple. She highlighted the contrasting circumstances, stating, "The president is engaging with Big Tech executives while alarming reports about chatbots interacting with children are emerging." Amidst this backdrop, Trump has been attempting to dismiss Slaughter from her position at the FTC. However, a U.S. appeals court recently ruled in her favor, allowing her to continue in her role. Just the day before, Trump had requested the Supreme Court's permission to remove her from office. FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson, who was appointed by Trump, had previously voiced opposition to the complaint against Snap in January. He indicated that he would provide a detailed response if the DOJ pursued legal action against the company. The unfolding scenario raises critical questions about the balance between innovation in technology and the safety of its young users.