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ChatGPT-maker OpenAI considered alerting Canadian police about school shooting suspect months ago

TT Editor·Updated: 21 Feb 2026 11:19 am IST
Read time: 1 min
ChatGPT-maker OpenAI considered alerting Canadian police about school shooting suspect months ago

In a recent revelation, OpenAI disclosed that it had considered notifying Canadian authorities about Jesse Van Rootselaar, a suspect in a school shooting, months prior to the incident. The technology firm identified Van Rootselaar's account through its abuse detection mechanisms in June. The company’s internal discussions centered around the potential risks associated with the user's online activities, which included alarming threats. However, OpenAI ultimately did not proceed with a report to law enforcement. This incident raises important questions about the responsibilities of tech companies in monitoring and addressing harmful behavior on their platforms. As incidents of violence in educational institutions continue to be a pressing concern, the implications of OpenAI's decision could have far-reaching effects on how similar cases are handled in the future, highlighting the need for better collaboration between technology firms and law enforcement agencies to prevent potential threats.

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