In the aftermath of the tragic shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, Artificial Intelligence Minister Evan Solomon expressed his disappointment with OpenAI during a recent meeting. This meeting took place after it was disclosed that OpenAI had previously banned the shooter’s ChatGPT account but did not notify law enforcement about its suspicious activity.
Details of the Meeting
Following the meeting, Solomon told CBC News that OpenAI had not provided satisfactory answers regarding their protocols. He noted, “We expected [OpenAI] to have concrete proposals… But we did not hear any substantial new safety protocols.”
- Shooter: Jesse Van Rootselaar
- Account Banned: June (prior to the shooting)
- Shooting Date: February 10
- Victims: 7 individuals (including family members and students)
OpenAI acknowledged that Van Rootselaar’s account was banned for troubling posts, including discussions of gun violence. However, the company claimed it did not meet the threshold for involving law enforcement.
Reactions from Officials
Multiple ministers expressed their concerns about the situation. Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree noted, “Nothing substantial came out of it… they need to do a lot better.” Meanwhile, Canadian Identity and Culture Minister Marc Miller echoed these sentiments, stating that the government would take action.
Statements from British Columbia Premier
B.C. Premier David Eby also weighed in on the matter, expressing anger towards OpenAI’s handling of the situation. He questioned whether the shooter’s actions could have been prevented had OpenAI alerted authorities.
- Premier’s Concern: Could OpenAI have prevented the shooting?
- Community Impact: Families in Tumbler Ridge are mourning the loss of their loved ones.
The federal government has previously sought to implement legislation aimed at preventing online harms. However, these efforts were stalled due to electoral disruptions. Despite this, the Liberals have indicated that they are revisiting the draft of a new online harms bill.
Moving Forward
In light of the meeting’s outcomes, Minister Solomon anticipates further discussions with OpenAI. Meanwhile, he emphasized that all options remain on the table for ensuring public safety in Canada. “At the end of the day, Canadians want to feel safe,” he concluded.
OpenAI has committed to following up on their policies and protocols. They acknowledged the need for concrete action, as highlighted by the concerns expressed during the meeting.
