OpenAI faces lawsuits over ChatGPT’s impact on people, accused of promoting self-harm

OpenAI is facing lawsuits from eight US states over claims that ChatGPT has encouraged users, including teenagers, to harm themselves or others. The lawsuits, filed separately in state courts on Wednesday, accuse the AI company of putting users at risk by making its chatbot too agreeable and engaging. The states allege that ChatGPT can also reinforce false beliefs, encourage dangerous actions and help people plan violent attacks. The legal action adds to the growing pressure on OpenAI over concerns about the safety of its products, particularly for young users.

The lawsuits were filed by attorneys general from Iowa, Kansas, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska and West Virginia, according to a Reuters report. They claim that ChatGPT’s design encourages users to trust its responses, even when those responses could lead to harmful decisions.

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The states have accused OpenAI of violating consumer protection laws by giving users misleading information about the safety of its chatbot. They have also argued that the company has created a public nuisance by putting residents’ health and safety at risk.

The lawsuits seek court orders requiring OpenAI to change how ChatGPT works. The states also want the company to be prevented from developing AI models that can improve themselves unless it can guarantee that these systems follow human values and remain safe.

Also, the states are seeking financial penalties for alleged violations of state laws and for the harm caused, according to the report.

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The legal action marks one of the biggest coordinated efforts by US states to hold an AI company accountable for the potential risks of its products. It comes as OpenAI faces growing scrutiny over how its technology affects users.

The company is also dealing with dozens of lawsuits filed by private individuals. Some of these cases claim that ChatGPT helped users plan mass shootings or other violent acts. The latest lawsuits may increase pressure on the company to strengthen its safety measures, especially those designed to protect children and teenagers.