FTC chair says AI developers should be liable for their agents' actions

US Federal Trade Commission Chairman Andrew Ferguson said Friday he would resist describing AI agents as autonomous actors, suggesting developers who instruct the tools would be liable for any harm caused. Ferguson argued at the Reuters Momentum AI Austin event that AI systems are not acting beyond human control, noting audits show they follow given instructions. He proposed using existing FTC authority, including data breach disclosure rules, to hold developers accountable. The FTC also plans to request data from companies on personalized pricing, particularly in delivery, rideshare, and airline sectors. Ferguson's predecessor initiated a similar study focused on data providers rather than merchants.