Welcome to the forefront of conversational AI as we explore the fascinating world of AI chatbots in our dedicated blog series. Discover the latest advancements, applications, and strategies that propel the evolution of chatbot technology. From enhancing customer interactions to streamlining business processes, these articles delve into the innovative ways artificial intelligence is shaping the landscape of automated conversational agents. Whether you’re a business owner, developer, or simply intrigued by the future of interactive technology, join us on this journey to unravel the transformative power and endless possibilities of AI chatbots.
Canadian Affairs
Fearless and independent Canadian journalism
Canada has summoned senior leadership from OpenAI to Ottawa to explain the company’s decision not to report suspicious online activity by an individual who later killed eight people this month.
OpenAI has confirmed that in June 2025 its abuse-detection efforts identified a ChatGPT account linked to Jesse Van Rootselaar, an 18-year-old transgender woman who murdered her mother, brother, and six people at a school in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., on Feb. 10.
The company said that the account was identified through an investigative process that looks for usage related to violent activity.
The account was banned that month, but the company did not inform Canadian police at the time.
That decision was “very disturbing,” Canada’s Artificial Intelligence Minister Evan Solomon said reporters Monday in Ottawa.
“I have summoned the senior safety team from OpenAI in the United States to come here to Ottawa,” Solomon said.
Subscribe to Editor’s Picks. Receive our free Saturday newsletter featuring our best stories from the week.
“They will come here tomorrow [Tuesday], and we will have a sit-down meeting to get an explanation of their safety protocols,” he added.
OpenAI has said it uses a very high bar when deciding whether to involve law enforcement after identifying a suspicious account.
Concerning Van Rootselaar, it decided not to inform Canadian police because her ChatGPT usage did not point toward credible or imminent planning of an attack.
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the Tumbler Ridge tragedy,” the company said in a statement last week.
“We proactively reached out to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police with information on the individual and their use of ChatGPT, and we’ll continue to support their investigation,” it added.
Solomon said he “immediately” contacted OpenAI when he first read media reports that the company “did not contact law enforcement in a timely manner.”
He did not specify what actions or new legislation Ottawa might consider to regulate the use of artificial intelligence moving forward, but said “all options are on the table.”
Canada was shocked by the shootings in Tumbler Ridge, a small picturesque mining town built four decades ago, 1,180 kilometres north of Vancouver.
Van Rootselaar’s victims at the school included five children and a teacher. The shooter died there of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to police.
She had a history of mental-health challenges, and the RCMP had previously visited her home.
The killings in Tumbler Ridge were among the worst outbursts of violence in Canadian history.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Sign in by entering the code we sent to , or clicking the magic link in the email.
By subscribing, you agree to our Terms & Conditions.
Get the best of Canadian Affairs directly in your email inbox.
Sending to:
Registered readers receive eight free articles a month.
Already registered? Sign In.
By subscribing, you agree to our Terms & Conditions.
Thank you for registering!
An account was already registered with this email. Please check your inbox for an authentication link.
For details on how to access our content, refer to our FAQ page.