MGM Resorts Challenges FTC Investigation Over Cyberattack

MGM Resorts, a prominent casino operator, has initiated legal action against the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regarding its probe into a cyberattack that disrupted the company's operations in September 2023. The investigation was prompted by an incident involving FTC Chairman Lina Khan, who happened to be present at one of MGM's facilities during the cyber breach.

MGM contends that the FTC's inquiry infringed upon its Fifth Amendment rights, as the regulations cited by the commission were allegedly inapplicable to the company. Specifically, MGM argues that it is not classified as a financial institution, thereby precluding the FTC's authority to investigate such incidents.

The casino operator insinuates that the investigation may be linked to Khan's presence as a guest at one of MGM's Las Vegas hotels during the cyberattack. Allegedly, MGM staff requested Khan's bank card information when the systems were compromised. In response, Khan queried MGM about its data security protocols amidst the system disruption.