OpenAI, Anthropic, Meta set for first public safety hearing; SpaceXAI ghosts NY Council

Major AI companies are preparing to testify publicly before the New York City Council for the first time, giving lawmakers a chance to question executives under oath about the risks posed by rapidly advancing AI systems. OpenAI, Google, Anthropic and Meta have agreed to appear at a rare Committee of the Whole hearing on October 5. All 51 members of the Council will take part in the session, which will examine technology risks and potential safeguards for New Yorkers. The hearing will also bring in national experts on AI safety, technology and consumer protection. Lawmakers plan to use the testimony to examine several proposed measures aimed at increasing accountability around AI systems. Major firms face lawmakers The companies will face questions about the technologies they develop and the risks those systems could create for consumers and public infrastructure. New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin said lawmakers need direct answers as AI capabilities continue to expand. She also wants technology companies to weigh in on legislation now under consideration. “Leading experts and AI executives themselves are warning about the potentially grave risks,” Menin said. She added that the companies should appear before lawmakers and answer questions under oath. The Council began seeking voluntary participation in mid-September. Menin sent requests to five major AI companies between September 15 and 17. Meta confirmed that a senior executive would attend. Google and OpenAI later agreed to participate after initially declining. Anthropic also committed to the hearing shortly before lawmakers planned to issue subpoenas. Elon Musk’s SpaceXAI became the outlier among the companies contacted by the Council. The company did not respond to the Council’s request, prompting Menin to issue a subpoena on September 28. The order requires SpaceXAI to appear at the October 5 hearing. The Council has authority under the New York City Charter to compel testimony during investigations into city affairs. Its rules also allow lawmakers to issue subpoenas when exercising that authority. SpaceXAI could face court action if it refuses to comply. The Council said it may seek enforcement through the New York State Supreme Court. The subpoena adds a legal dimension to what is otherwise a broader effort to bring leading AI developers into direct public scrutiny. Lawmakers weigh new safeguards The Council will also examine legislation designed to address potential harms linked to AI systems. One proposal would establish a whistleblower incentive program for people who report violations involving AI companies. Another would create a private right of action for New Yorkers harmed by AI agents. Lawmakers are also considering independent third-party validation requirements. Such measures could require outside assessments of certain AI systems before deployment. Experts invited to the hearing will provide additional perspectives on safety and consumer protection. Their testimony could help lawmakers assess how proposed rules might work in practice. The hearing comes as policymakers across the U.S. debate how existing laws should apply to increasingly capable AI systems. New York City’s approach could offer a local test case for stronger oversight. Get the latest in engineering, tech, space & science - delivered daily to your inbox.Aamir is a seasoned tech journalist with experience at Exhibit Magazine, Republic World, and PR Newswire. With a deep love for all things tech and science, he has spent years decoding the latest innovations and exploring how they shape industries, lifestyles, and the future of humanity.