Attorneys general from eight US states have filed lawsuits against OpenAI, alleging that its ChatGPT chatbot harms children and that the company misleads users about its safety.
The lawsuits were filed separately on October 14 by the attorneys general of Arkansas, Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Iowa, Kansas, West Virginia, and Nebraska, each in their respective state courts.
Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird announced the lawsuits during a press conference in Des Moines, joined by her counterparts from Kansas, Nebraska, and West Virginia.
Iowa's lawsuit alleges that ChatGPT provides dangerous medical advice, encourages paranoia, and pushes people toward harming others or taking their own lives. Prosecutors also claim the chatbot is designed to be overly agreeable with users and to simulate empathy in order to gain their trust.
"OpenAI is hurting kids and they are lying to Iowans," Bird said.
West Virginia Attorney General JB McCuskey claimed that there are no age verification measures or adequate safeguards in conversations involving suicide, school shootings, and self-harm.
The states are pursuing legal action under consumer protection laws, seeking financial penalties, damages, and changes to how ChatGPT operates.
The attorneys general also indicated that additional states could file similar lawsuits. Florida previously sued OpenAI in June.
In response, OpenAI stated that it has implemented age-appropriate safety measures in ChatGPT that many other AI products do not offer.
The company added that it wants to work with states to establish regulations that apply across the entire AI industry rather than targeting a single company.
OpenAI says ChatGPT is intended for users aged 13 and older, that minors require permission from a parent or guardian, and that the chatbot reminds users to take breaks after extended periods of use.
The lawsuits come as OpenAI prepares for a potential initial public offering.
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