FTC Removes Lina Khan-Era Posts on AI Risks and Open Source
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has removed three blog posts from the Lina Khan-era that addressed open-source artificial intelligence (AI) and risks of AI to consumers, according to a Wired report. The removals are part of a broader pattern under the Trump administration's efforts to direct federal agencies to remove or modify substantial amounts of government content.
The three posts in question were published between October 2023 and January 2025. One post, titled "On Open-Weights Foundation Models," was published on July 10, 2024, while another, "Consumers Are Voicing Concerns About AI," came out in October 2023. A third post, authored by Khan's staff, was published on January 3, 2025, with the title "AI and the Risk of Consumer Harm." This post noted that the FTC was taking note of AI's potential for real-world instances of harm from incentivizing commercial surveillance to enabling fraud and impersonation to perpetuating illegal discrimination.
The removals have sparked concerns among experts who believe that the posts provided critical information on the risks associated with open-source AI. "These posts were an important contribution to the public discourse on AI and its implications," said Dr. Kate Crawford, a leading researcher on AI ethics. "Their removal raises questions about the FTC's commitment to transparency and accountability."
The background of these removals dates back to 2020 when the Trump administration began issuing executive orders directing federal agencies to remove or modify substantial amounts of government content. After his inauguration, Trump installed a new head of the FTC and removed several FTC commissioners, installing leadership that focused less on Khan's aggressive antitrust agenda and more on deregulation for Big Tech.
The removals are also seen as part of a larger effort to undermine the work of the previous administration. "This is not an isolated incident," said Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), who has been critical of the Trump administration's handling of AI regulation. "It's a pattern of behavior that suggests this administration is more interested in protecting corporate interests than in protecting consumers."
The current status of these removals is unclear, and TechCrunch has reached out to the FTC for comment. The agency has not provided an explanation for why the posts were taken down.
As AI continues to play an increasingly prominent role in society, experts warn that its risks must be addressed through robust regulation and transparency. "The removal of these posts is a step backward," said Dr. Crawford. "We need more, not less, information on the implications of AI and how it can be used responsibly."
Additional Perspectives
The removals have sparked concerns among civil society groups who believe that they undermine efforts to regulate AI.
Some experts argue that the removals are a result of the Trump administration's broader agenda to deregulate industries and reduce government oversight.
Next Developments
The future of these posts remains uncertain, but experts warn that their removal could have significant implications for the development of AI regulation. As the industry continues to evolve, it is essential that policymakers prioritize transparency and accountability in addressing the risks associated with open-source AI.
*Reporting by Techcrunch.*
