OpenAI's role in Tumbler Ridge case prompts regulatory questions

OpenAI says it identified and banned an account linked to the Tumbler Ridge shooter in June 2025 but did not notify police at that time, citing an 'imminent' threat threshold; the company contacted the RCMP after the Feb. 10 shooting and Canadian ministers have met to discuss AI safety and potential regulation.

OpenAI says it proactively identified and banned an account associated with Jesse Van Rootselaar in June 2025 for misuse of its chatbot but did not notify police then because the activity did not meet its higher "imminent" threat threshold. Police say OpenAI contacted the RCMP after the shooting in Tumbler Ridge on Feb. 10. Federal ministers have since met with OpenAI representatives and officials are discussing AI safety and online-safety legislation. Key points: - OpenAI banned an account in June 2025 for alleged misuse but did not inform law enforcement at that time, citing an "imminent" threat threshold. - OpenAI contacted the RCMP after the Feb. 10 shooting; Global News noted it has not independently verified all reported details. - Artificial Intelligence Minister Evan Solomon and Heritage Minister Marc Miller met with OpenAI; ministers say discussions on AI safety and online-safety legislation are ongoing and no timelines have been announced. - Canada's privacy law allows companies to disclose personal information to authorities but does not require disclosure, leaving decisions to firms' internal thresholds. Summary: Officials say the sequence of events has prompted questions about when AI companies should alert authorities and how those decisions are made. Investigations and policy discussions are under way at the federal level, and ministers have not announced timelines for any legislative changes. Undetermined at this time.