FTC chair suggests AI developers should be liable for conduct of agents
XLK•FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson said AI developers could be liable for harm caused by agents carrying out their instructions. He also said the FTC is preparing to request data from consumer-facing companies on personalized pricing.
1. AI developer liability
Ferguson said he would resist describing AI agents as autonomous actors with wills of their own, suggesting developers who instruct them would be liable for harm. He said existing FTC authority, including action against companies that fail to disclose data breaches, could apply to AI developers.
2. Personalized pricing study
The FTC is preparing to request information from consumer-facing companies about using individual data, such as location and browsing history, to set prices, with the aim of publishing a study. Ferguson said he is most concerned about personalized pricing by delivery and rideshare apps and airlines.
