OpenAI Chief Executive Sam Altman has apologized for failing to alert authorities about a user who later carried out a deadly mass shooting in Canada.
According to a letter reported by Tumblr Ridgelines and shared by British Columbia Premier David Eby, Altman acknowledged that the company should have taken action sooner after flagging the account months before the attack.
The shooter, 18-year-old Jesse Van Rutselaar, who killed eight people in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, in February died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
OpenAI said the user’s account was flagged for abuse “in furtherance of violent activities” in June and was suspended.
However, the company did not notify law enforcement at the time, saying it did not meet the threshold of imminent danger.
In his letter, Altman wrote, “I deeply regret that we did not alert law enforcement about the account that was banned in June. While I know words can never be enough, I believe an apology is necessary to recognize the harm and irreparable harm caused to your community.”
“I reaffirm the commitment I have made to the Mayor and Premier to find ways to prevent such tragedies in the future,” and said OpenAI will continue to work with governments to improve safety.
“I want to express my deepest condolences to the entire community. No one should have to suffer a tragedy like this.”
