Canada’s Minister of Artificial Intelligence stated that OpenAI’s failure to report a user played a role in a school shooting that occurred in February. The Canadian government is prepared to regulate AI-powered chatbots if technology companies cannot demonstrate adequate safeguards to protect Canadian users.
Minister Evan Solomon issued this warning following allegations that OpenAI’s «failure» led to authorities not being notified about an 18-year-old Canadian user who carried out a mass shooting at a school in British Columbia.
Sources familiar with the matter revealed that Jesse Van Rootselaar, the individual in question, spent several days in June last year detailing scenarios involving armed violence using ChatGPT. His posts were flagged by an automated review system, raising concerns among OpenAI employees. Approximately a dozen staff members within the company debated whether action should be taken regarding Van Rootselaar’s posts. Some employees interpreted his writings as potential indicators of real, physical violence and urged leadership to inform Canadian authorities. However, OpenAI’s management ultimately decided against contacting the authorities.
Solomon commented on the incident, stating, «Clearly, there was an omission. This is a horrific tragedy. We are deeply shaken by reports that there was an opportunity to report this matter to law enforcement. We want to ensure that if any company has this opportunity, they seize it.» OpenAI’s policy leader, Chan Park, along with six other company representatives, met with government officials in Ottawa on Tuesday. Ministers later described the meeting as «disappointing.»
Justice Minister Sean Fraser declared that he expects OpenAI to implement meaningful security measures. He added, «If these are not forthcoming in a very short period of time, the government will take action. Trust must be earned. We genuinely need to see what changes are expected from the company.»
OpenAI has stated that it has strengthened its security measures and amended its policies regarding when to notify police in cases involving violent acts. Despite this, ministers emphasized that Canadians expect further concrete steps, and this message was clearly understood. The company committed to providing information on additional measures in the coming days, while continuing to support law enforcement and collaborate with the government to improve AI safety.
The 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar opened fire on February 10th at a school in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, killing eight people. Police reported that Van Rootselaar was found dead at the scene, having taken his own life. Van Rootselaar was known to local police prior to the shooting. Authorities had visited his residence on several occasions concerning mental health issues, and firearms had been temporarily removed from the property.