Eight U.S. states filed separate lawsuits against OpenAI on Wednesday over ChatGPT’s safety. They allege that the chatbot is an unsafe product that harmed children and deceived parents. OpenAI spokesperson Drew Pusateri responded by pointing to age-appropriate protections and plans for additional safeguards.
State court lawsuits and Iowa’s allegations
Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird said Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska and West Virginia had filed lawsuits, along with Arkansas, Arizona, Idaho and Montana. Each filed its own lawsuit in state court.
Bird accused OpenAI of presenting ChatGPT as safe even as it gives dangerous medical advice. She also alleged that the chatbot encourages people to harm others and provides guidance on suicide while presenting itself as a friend.
Bird said Iowa’s lawsuit aims to protect children and hold OpenAI accountable under state law.
OpenAI cites parental controls and age-appropriate safeguards
Pusateri said OpenAI has built protections for different age groups into its product that many other AI products lack. He named parental controls, reminders to take breaks and age-appropriate model safeguards among the measures already available.
The company plans to continue working with experts and add further safeguards, its spokesperson said. Pusateri also said OpenAI is working with U.S. states on policies that would apply across the industry.
ChatGPT for Teens launched in August
The lawsuits follow the August launch of ChatGPT for Teens, a dedicated experience for minors. It includes educational features and age-appropriate safeguards designed to reduce exposure to harmful content or material unsuitable for their age and development.
