OpenAI faces lawsuits from 8 US states over ChatGPT’s alleged harm to users

Eight US state attorneys general have filed lawsuits against OpenAI, alleging the company's ChatGPT chatbot has caused harm to users, particularly teenagers. The claims include the spread of delusions, encouragement of self-harm, and assistance in planning violent acts such as mass shootings. Iowa, Kansas, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, and West Virginia each filed separate lawsuits in state courts on Wednesday, accusing OpenAI of breaching consumer protection laws.

The states seek changes to ChatGPT's design, a prohibition on developing self-improving AI models, and civil penalties. This coordinated legal challenge adds to the growing scrutiny OpenAI faces as it prepares for a potential public stock offering, highlighting the company's challenges in ensuring the safety of its AI products.