OpenAI and ChatGPT under investigation

The investigation also focuses on allegations that OpenAI's technology and data may be falling into the hands of foreign adversaries, specifically the Chinese Communist Party.

Uthmeier's office is seeking to determine if the AI lab has implemented sufficient safeguards to prevent its tools from being used for criminal planning or state-sponsored espionage.

This move follows a series of lawsuits from victims' families who argue that AI companies should be held liable for 'critical harm' enabled by their products.

OpenAI has responded by backing a bill that would limit such liability, sparking a heated legal and ethical debate over the responsibility of AI developers.