OpenAI sued by 8 states over ChatGPT safety concerns

Eight U.S. states have filed lawsuits against artificial intelligence company OpenAI, alleging that its ChatGPT chatbot is an unsafe product that has harmed children and deceived parents.

The states of Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, West Virginia, Arkansas, Arizona, Idaho, and Montana have individually sued OpenAI in their state courts. Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird stated that the lawsuits aim to protect residents harmed by OpenAI's "willful, dangerous, reckless, and unlawful conduct."

"OpenAI is hurting kids and they are lying to Iowans," Bird said in a statement. She further alleged that the company's claims of ChatGPT's safety are contradicted by the chatbot providing dangerous medical advice and encouraging self-harm. The lawsuits seek to hold OpenAI accountable under state law.

OpenAI spokesperson Drew Pusateri emphasized that the company has implemented age-specific protections into its product, which "many other AI products lack." He added that OpenAI is working with states to advance industry-wide policies and is continuously improving safeguards, such as parental controls and age-appropriate model protections.

OpenAI has faced increasing scrutiny over its safety practices, particularly concerning child protection. In several wrongful death lawsuits, ChatGPT has been blamed for driving users to harmful delusions and, in some cases, suicide. Florida and other states have also previously taken legal action against the company.