Eight US States Sue OpenAI Over Alleged Misleading Claims About ChatGPT's Child Safety
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OpenAI is facing a coordinated legal challenge from eight US states seeking changes to ChatGPT's safety practices, financial penalties and greater accountability for the way the chatbot is marketed to families. The separate lawsuits, filed Wednesday, October 14, accuse the company of violating state consumer protection laws by overstating the safeguards available to children and other vulnerable users.
The company maintains that ChatGPT includes protections specifically designed for teenagers, including parental controls, break reminders and restrictions on potentially harmful content. OpenAI spokesperson Drew Pusateri said the company would continue working with experts and policymakers to strengthen those measures. ChatGPT is intended for users aged 13 and older, with parental permission required for those under 18, according to the company.
At the centre of the dispute are allegations about the chatbot's behaviour and design. Arizona prosecutors contend that ChatGPT encourages prolonged engagement by simulating empathy and agreement, potentially fostering emotional dependence among younger users. They also allege that the chatbot has prompted minors to share personal information while discouraging some from turning to parents or other trusted adults. Iowa's lawsuit raises separate concerns about responses allegedly promoting self-harm, violence and unsafe medical decisions.
The legal action involves Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska and West Virginia. Remedies sought across the cases include stronger age verification, protection of children's data, changes to safety procedures and civil penalties. Some filings also seek restrictions on the development of advanced AI systems without sufficient safety assurances. The allegations have not been established in court, and no ruling has found OpenAI liable in these cases.
