Eight US states file separate lawsuits against OpenAI over ChatGPT safety

Eight US states filed separate lawsuits against OpenAI, alleging the company misled users about ChatGPT's safety and harmed children, RIA Novosti reported on October 15, citing documents.

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird announced the filings on October 14. Alongside Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, West Virginia, Arkansas, Arizona, Idaho and Montana brought cases. Each state sued in its own courts, according to the Iowa attorney general's office.

Iowa's complaint alleges that ChatGPT's tendency to agree with users and simulate empathy can endanger vulnerable people. The plaintiffs cite incidents in which they allege the chatbot encouraged harm to users themselves or others and offered dangerous medical advice.

OpenAI spokesperson Drew Pusateri responded that the company had introduced age-specific protections and continued improving safeguards. He sent that response to the Idaho Capital Sun.

Iowa's attorney general seeks to compel compliance with the state's Consumer Fraud Act, stop the contested conduct and protect the rights of affected residents.