8 US states sue OpenAI over alleged ChatGPT safety risks

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Attorneys general from eight U.S. states filed separate lawsuits against OpenAI on Wednesday, accusing the artificial intelligence company of endangering children through its ChatGPT chatbot and misleading consumers about the product's safety.

The OpenAI ChatGPT logo. (File photo: CFP)

The lawsuits were filed independently in state courts by Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, West Virginia, Arkansas, Arizona, Idaho and Montana, as part of a coordinated bipartisan legal effort.

According to statements released by the state attorneys general and court filings, OpenAI allegedly designed ChatGPT to be overly agreeable and to simulate human compassion, encouraging users to develop trust in the chatbot and spend more time interacting with it.

The lawsuits allege that ChatGPT can reinforce delusional thinking, provide dangerous medical advice and, in some instances, encourage users to harm themselves or others.

The states accuse OpenAI of misleading consumers about ChatGPT's safety while failing to adequately disclose known risks, in alleged violation of state consumer protection laws.

The lawsuits seek court orders requiring OpenAI to modify ChatGPT's operations and strengthen user protections, as well as civil penalties and damages.

Some of the legal demands also seek to restrict the development of self-improving AI models unless their alignment with human values can be demonstrated.

OpenAI spokesperson Drew Pusateri said the company had implemented age-specific safety measures, including parental controls, break reminders and age-appropriate model protections.

The company would continue working with experts to strengthen safeguards and cooperate with states on developing AI policies applicable to the broader industry, Pusateri said.

The coordinated legal action follows a lawsuit filed by Florida's attorney general in June over alleged safety risks associated with ChatGPT.