SpaceXAI subpoenaed by NYC Council for AI safety hearing

New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin has issued a subpoena to SpaceXAI, the entity formed from the merger of SpaceX and xAI, to compel testimony at an upcoming AI safety hearing on October 5. The subpoena was issued after the company failed to respond to initial invitations, making it the only major AI firm to do so.

Other prominent technology companies, including Meta, Google, OpenAI, and Anthropic, have agreed to testify publicly under oath following warnings from the Council that they could face similar legal compulsion. The hearing, which involves all 51 Council members, aims to examine AI safety risks and proposed regulations.

The investigation follows whistleblower warnings regarding existential risks and reports of rogue AI potentially damaging government databases. Speaker Menin emphasized that because these firms have a significant presence and workforce in New York City, they have a responsibility to provide input on legislation under oath.