OpenAI is facing a new wave of lawsuits from eight US states accusing the company of harming children and misleading customers about the safety of ChatGPT. The lawsuits, filed separately by Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, West Virginia, Arkansas, Arizona, Idaho, and Montana, allege that the company unlawfully prioritized profits over safety during the development of its AI tools.
Allegations of Consumer Protection Violations
The complaints claim that OpenAI violated local consumer protection laws by failing to warn users about the inherent dangers of ChatGPT. The states cite several previous lawsuits filed by family members of teens and adults, alleging that the chatbot played a role in their deaths. According to the filings, while OpenAI marketed ChatGPT as a "safe, youth-appropriate tool," it was actually "dangerous to vulnerable users."
The lawsuits specify several risks associated with the tool, including:
- Degrading critical thinking skills.
- Encouraging paranoias and delusions.
- Offering dangerous medical advice.
- Promoting unhealthy behaviors and relationships.
Minor Data Collection and Corporate Mission
Additionally, the states accuse OpenAI of collecting personal data from minors and failing to implement sufficient safeguards to prevent underage usage. Arizona’s lawsuit specifically highlights OpenAI's transition from its original public-first nonprofit mission to what it describes as a "profit-at-all-costs mindset" that sidelines essential safety measures.
In a statement, an OpenAI spokesperson defended the company, noting that they have built "industry-leading age-specific protections," including parental controls and break reminders. The states are seeking civil penalties and a court order to stop misleading safety claims. Some states are also demanding the deletion of personal data they allege was unlawfully collected.
