OpenAI hits pause on AI training after government websites accessed

OpenAI is tapping the brakes on the training of its latest artificial intelligence models after new reports that its automated AI agents had accessed U.S. government websites in ways that were not expected as they were gathering and distributing information.  

Big picture view:

On Friday, OpenAI released details about what happened. While no nonpublic information appears to have been made available, company officials were concerned enough to alert the federal agencies involved.

The backstory:

In one case, OpenAI agents found API "developer keys" for the Department of Education website to access government data. However, OpenAI said only publicly available information was gathered, and the Education Department said there was no evidence that its website or databases were impacted.

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In a separate incident, agents found information freely available on the Securities and Exchange Commission website and posted it elsewhere, which company officials explained went beyond the stated instructions. SEC spokesperson Kurt Hopfenspirger confirmed Saturday that "no nonpublic information was accessed."