OpenAI makes pledges to Canada to bolster safety protocols: WSJ

OpenAI makes pledges to Canada to bolster safety protocols: WSJ

OpenAI Commits to Enhanced Safety Measures Amid Canadian Regulatory Pressure

In response to growing scrutiny following a fatal school shooting in British Columbia, OpenAI has pledged to strengthen its safety protocols, according to reports from Canadian officials. The incident, which left eight people dead, has intensified calls for stricter oversight of artificial intelligence platforms and their potential role in facilitating violence.

The alleged shooter, 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, was reportedly banned from OpenAI's ChatGPT platform in 2025 for policy violations. However, the company did not report the account to law enforcement, citing internal criteria that deemed the risk insufficient to warrant police involvement. This decision has drawn sharp criticism from Canadian authorities, who argue that OpenAI failed to act on potential warning signs.

Ottawa has now issued a clear ultimatum: OpenAI must implement "immediate and meaningful changes" to its safety protocols, or the Canadian government will impose regulatory measures through legislation. Justice Minister Sean Fraser emphasized that the government is prepared to intervene if the company does not act swiftly. This follows a meeting between Canadian officials and OpenAI's safety team, where regulators reiterated expectations for enhanced accountability.

OpenAI has acknowledged the concerns and stated it will provide updated details on its safety measures to Ottawa in the coming weeks. However, the company's current policies remain under scrutiny, as they rely on subjective thresholds for determining when to escalate risks to authorities.

The incident has also reignited debates over Canada's stalled 2024 legislation targeting online hate, which critics argued was too broad. Officials now plan to reintroduce more focused measures this year, with Prime Minister Mark Carney stating that "anything to prevent future tragedies must be done".

For investors, the situation underscores the growing regulatory risks facing AI developers. Stricter compliance requirements or mandatory reporting standards could increase operational costs and reshape industry practices. As governments worldwide grapple with AI's societal impact, OpenAI's response to Canada's demands may set a precedent for future regulatory frameworks.

(https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/society-equity/canada-tells-openai-boost-safety-measures-or-be-forced-by-government-2026-02-25/): Canada tells OpenAI to boost safety measures or be forced ... (Reuters, February 25, 2026).