OpenAI faces lawsuits from 8 US states over ChatGPT’s alleged harm to users

lawsuits accuse OpenAI of violating state consumer protection laws by misleading users about ChatGPT’s safety

OpenAI is facing a fresh legal challenge in the US, with attorneys general from eight states accusing the company of exposing users, including teenagers, to harmful behaviour through its ChatGPT chatbot.

The lawsuits allege that the AI tool has reinforced delusions, encouraged self-harm and helped users plan violence, including mass shootings.Attorneys general from Iowa, Kansas, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska and West Virginia filed separate lawsuits in state courts on Wednesday. The complaints claim ChatGPT is designed to be agreeable and engaging to build users’ trust, potentially making them more vulnerable to dangerous interactions.

States seek changes to ChatGPT

The lawsuits accuse OpenAI of violating state consumer protection laws by misleading users about ChatGPT’s safety. They also allege that the company has created a public nuisance by endangering the health and safety of residents.The states are seeking court orders requiring OpenAI to change how ChatGPT operates. Among their demands is a prohibition on developing AI models capable of improving themselves unless the company can ensure that the models are aligned with human values.

The states are also seeking civil monetary penalties for alleged violations of state laws, along with damages.

OpenAI faces growing legal challenges

The coordinated legal action adds to mounting legal scrutiny of OpenAI as the company prepares for a potential public listing. It represents a significant coordinated effort by state authorities to challenge the safety of an AI company’s products.Florida’s attorney general filed the first lawsuit of its kind by a US state against OpenAI in June, citing concerns over child safety.The company is also facing dozens of lawsuits brought by private plaintiffs alleging that ChatGPT contributed to harmful behaviour, including helping users plan mass shootings and other acts of violence.