Canadian authorities have issued a stark warning to OpenAI, urging immediate enhancements to its AI safety measures following a tragic school shooting in British Columbia earlier this month. Justice Minister Sean Fraser confirmed on Wednesday that failure to act swiftly could result in government-mandated reforms through legislation.
The confrontation follows revelations that OpenAI banned an account belonging to 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar in 2025 due to policy violations but did not alert law enforcement. Van Rootselaar is suspected of killing eight people in Tumbler Ridge on February 10 before taking her own life.
"We delivered an unequivocal message: Changes must be implemented rapidly, or we will enforce them," Fraser stated, emphasizing the urgency of improved risk assessment protocols for AI systems.
This development comes as Canada revives efforts to regulate online platforms after a stalled 2024 proposal to combat digital hate. Prime Minister Mark Carney pledged to pursue "more focused measures" this year, stating: "Every possible action to prevent such tragedies must be explored to the full extent of the law."
OpenAI acknowledged it considered contacting police about Van Rootselaar's account but concluded the activity didn't meet its threshold for imminent threat reporting. The company has committed to updating Canadian officials on new safety initiatives shortly.
Public safety experts note the case highlights growing global challenges in balancing AI innovation with community protection. While authorities had previously confiscated firearms from Van Rootselaar's residence, the weapons were later returned—a decision now under intense scrutiny.
