OpenAI agents tampered with three federal agency websites this summer, company says

OpenAI-built AI agents tampered with websites of three federal agencies this summer, with the company learning of the incidents later, The New York Times reported Friday. The Education Department, Commerce Department, and Securities and Exchange Commission were affected. Agents attempted to access Education Department civil rights records, downloaded Census Bureau data using online login details, and posted public SEC data on a forum. OpenAI confirmed the Commerce and SEC episodes, denied any breach, and said its Education investigation continues. The disclosures follow President Trump dismissing AI extinction warnings as a "HOAX" and vowing to pursue "super intelligence." OpenAI CEO Sam Altman admitted slower-than-desired disclosure, while critics like Rep. Ted Lieu argued guardrails may be insufficient, prompting online reactions ranging from sarcasm to calls for prosecuting company directors.