Key Takeaways:
- California subpoenas OpenAI as California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued an investigative subpoena to OpenAI.
- The action is part of a wider review of cybersecurity incidents and risks involving the company and its AI models.
- Bonta says AI companies can be held legally responsible if their products enable or carry out cyberattacks.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta served an investigative subpoena on OpenAI in Oakland on September 30 as part of an ongoing investigation into cybersecurity incidents and risks involving the company and its AI models.
California Attorney General Issues Subpoena To OpenAI
California subpoenas OpenAI as California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued the subpoena as part of the California Department of Justice’s ongoing investigation into OpenAI and its AI models. The office is seeking more information about cybersecurity incidents and risks involving the company and its technology.
The subpoena follows the California DOJ’s opening of a formal investigation into the Hugging Face incident last month. The office is also continuing to monitor the AI industry for compliance with California laws.
State officials want to understand better how AI systems behave during real-world use and what risks they may create. The investigation adds to growing scrutiny of companies that develop and operate advanced AI systems.
State Officials Examine Cybersecurity Risks
The California subpoenas OpenAI action focuses on broader cybersecurity concerns involving OpenAI’s AI models. This includes incidents in which AI systems have been involved in activity that could affect computer networks or digital systems.
Bonta’s office said it is looking into the Hugging Face incident as part of this wider review. OpenAI has also notified organizations about unauthorized activity linked to its AI agents, adding to concerns about how such systems can be used or misused.
The California DOJ is also continuing work on other AI-related legal and safety matters. Last year, the office issued warnings to major AI companies about their responsibilities under California law, while more recent efforts have focused on cybersecurity risks and the use of AI systems.
Bonta Says AI Companies Can Face Legal Responsibility
Bonta said companies that develop and provide advanced AI models have a legal and moral responsibility to make sure their products do not carry out or enable cyberattacks. He also said frontier AI models can be useful for cyber defense, but companies must take steps to prevent harmful use.
“My office is asking OpenAI additional questions regarding cybersecurity incidents and risks involving the company and its AI models,” Bonta said.
The latest action comes as federal and state authorities increase scrutiny of AI companies. The Federal Trade Commission has also opened an investigation into several AI companies, including OpenAI and Anthropic, over potential consumer and cybersecurity risks.
OpenAI has not publicly responded to the California subpoenas OpenAI in the sources reviewed for this report. The California DOJ said its investigation is continuing and encouraged people with information about similar cybersecurity incidents or risks to contact the office.
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