DOJ Will Investigate AI-Related Crimes, Attorney General Blanche Says

U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche said the Department of Justice will investigate individuals or companies connected to artificial intelligence when there is evidence they have violated federal criminal law, while emphasizing that the agency does not intend to become an AI regulator.

Speaking to reporters at the White House on Tuesday, Blanche outlined the DOJ’s approach as concerns grow over artificial intelligence, AI safety and the technology’s potential misuse. He said existing criminal statutes give federal prosecutors tools to pursue unlawful conduct involving AI.

“As far as AI is concerned, there’s a lot of criminal laws,” Blanche said. He added that anyone associated with AI who breaks criminal law could face a Justice Department investigation.

Blanche noted that the DOJ has already pursued cases involving artificial intelligence, signaling that the department views AI-related misconduct primarily as a law enforcement issue rather than an area requiring direct regulation. He described the Justice Department as a prosecutorial agency and said regulating the rapidly developing technology falls outside its core role.

The attorney general also highlighted the potential benefits of artificial intelligence, saying the technology can provide significant value to society. His comments suggest the DOJ plans to distinguish between legitimate AI development and activities that violate existing federal laws.

In a separate interview Tuesday, Blanche similarly said the department would avoid “regulation by prosecution,” explaining that AI companies would face action when their conduct clearly violates applicable statutes rather than simply because prosecutors have concerns about the technology.

The remarks come as policymakers, technology executives and regulators continue debating how the United States should oversee increasingly powerful AI systems. Issues ranging from cybersecurity and fraud to intellectual property, competition and AI safety have intensified scrutiny of companies developing and deploying advanced models.

For the Justice Department, however, Blanche’s position draws a distinction between AI regulation and criminal enforcement: the DOJ will pursue violations of existing law involving artificial intelligence while leaving broader regulatory policy to other authorities and lawmakers.