Canada’s artificial intelligence minister announced Friday that he will sit down with OpenAI Chief Executive Sam Altman next week to address safety concerns following a deadly school shooting in British Columbia.
The meeting comes after Canadian officials pressed OpenAI to strengthen its safety measures and warned that new laws could be enacted if changes aren’t made. The pressure mounted when the company revealed it had previously banned an account linked to suspected shooter Jesse Van Rootselaar but failed to notify law enforcement.
“While we note their willingness to strengthen law enforcement referral protocols, establish direct points of contact with Canadian authorities, and enhance safeguards, we have not yet seen a detailed plan for how these commitments will be implemented in practice,” Minister Evan Solomon stated.
Solomon’s comments came in response to correspondence he received Thursday from OpenAI’s global policy vice president. In the letter, the artificial intelligence company pledged to create a direct communication channel with Canadian police and improve its ability to identify users who repeatedly violate policies against violent content.
The minister said his upcoming discussion with Altman aims “to seek further clarity and to ensure that the commitments made are translated into concrete action.”
Van Rootselaar, an 18-year-old suspect, allegedly killed eight individuals on February 10 in Tumbler Ridge before dying by suicide. OpenAI has confirmed it previously suspended her ChatGPT access due to policy breaches.
Solomon indicated he plans additional meetings with other major technology platforms operating in Canada over the coming weeks.
“All options remain on the table as we assess what further steps may be necessary,” he concluded.
