Canadian authorities have summoned OpenAI executives to Ottawa following revelations that the company failed to alert law enforcement about a ChatGPT user linked to a deadly mass shooting in British Columbia earlier this month. The incident has sparked urgent discussions about AI accountability and public safety protocols.
OpenAI confirmed its systems flagged suspicious activity in June 2025 from an account tied to Jesse Van Rootselaar, the 18-year-old transgender woman who killed eight people in Tumbler Ridge on February 10. While the company banned the account, it did not notify Canadian authorities at the time – a decision Artificial Intelligence Minister Evan Solomon called "very disturbing."
"We\'re bringing OpenAI\'s safety team to Ottawa to explain their protocols," Solomon stated, emphasizing the need for transparency. The company maintains it uses strict criteria for law enforcement alerts, claiming Van Rootselaar\'s activity didn\'t indicate imminent danger.
The tragedy has shaken Canada, where mass shootings remain rare due to strict gun laws. Victims at the rural school included five children and a teacher, with the RCMP confirming prior mental health interventions involving the shooter.
As investigations continue, Ottawa is considering new AI regulations. "All options are on the table," Solomon warned, highlighting growing global concerns about tech companies\' role in preventing real-world violence.
