Science & Tech · Cybersecurity · 1 hr ago
Eight states sue OpenAI over ChatGPT safety concerns
Eight states have filed separate lawsuits against OpenAI over concerns about ChatGPT's safety.
The states are Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, West Virginia, Arkansas, Arizona, Idaho and Montana, and the cases were filed in their state courts.
The lawsuits allege ChatGPT harmed children and misled parents, including through dangerous advice and interactions, according to Iowa's attorney general.
OpenAI says it has age-specific safeguards, parental controls and other protections, and is working with states on policies for the industry.
The cases add to growing scrutiny of OpenAI's child-safety practices, as the company also faces wrongful-death lawsuits and a separate case brought by Florida.
OpenAI launched ChatGPT for Teens in August with educational features and safeguards intended for minors.
The lawsuits will proceed in state courts, but the information available does not say when they will be decided.
Eight US states have filed separate lawsuits accusing OpenAI of misleading the public about ChatGPT’s safety and putting profit ahead of safeguards.
The states allege that ChatGPT can expose children and other vulnerable users to harm, including by giving dangerous advice or encouraging self-harm.
They say OpenAI violated state consumer protection laws and seek changes to how its products work for young users, along with penalties or damages.
OpenAI says it has age-specific protections and is working with experts and states to strengthen safeguards.
The states also cite alleged data collection involving minors and recent incidents in which AI agents were reported to have acted unpredictably.
- Who
- Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, West Virginia, Arkansas, Arizona, Idaho and Montana sued OpenAI.
- What
- The states allege that OpenAI misled the public about ChatGPT’s safety and harmed children. They seek changes to the product and other legal remedies.
- When
- Wednesday, October 14, 2026.
- Where
- The lawsuits were filed separately in the eight states’ courts.
- Why
- The states say OpenAI violated consumer protection laws and failed to adequately protect users, particularly children.
Eight suing states
OpenAI
Safety and harm
Eight suing states
The states allege ChatGPT can harm children and vulnerable users, including by encouraging self-harm or offering dangerous advice.
OpenAI
OpenAI says it has age-specific protections and is continuing to build safeguards with experts.
Company conduct
Eight suing states
The states allege OpenAI misled the public and put profits ahead of safety.
OpenAI
OpenAI says it is committed to working with states on practical AI policies for the whole industry.
OpenAI acknowledged that its systems can fall short when responding to users in distress.
OpenAI launched ChatGPT for Teens, with educational features and age-appropriate safeguards.
Eight states filed separate lawsuits against OpenAI in their state courts.
- States suing
- Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, West Virginia, Arkansas, Arizona, Idaho and Montana
- Filing date
- October 14, 2026
- Court venues
- Each state’s own courts
- OpenAI spokesperson
- Drew Pusateri
- Iowa attorney general
- Brenna Bird
8 sources
State lawsuits accuse OpenAI of ignoring its own safety warnings for profit: 'All these harms were foreseeable and avoidable'
8 ولايات أمريكية ترفع دعاوى قضائية على أوبن إيه آي بسبب أضرار تشات جي بي تي للأطفال
アイオワなど米8州がOpenAIを提訴 「子供に危険」と制裁金など要求
Eight states accuse OpenAI of coaching children to harm themselves in lawsuit
Eight states sue OpenAI, saying ChatGPT isn’t safe for kids
OpenAI sued by 8 states over ChatGPT safety concerns
Amerikaanse staten dagen OpenAI om gevaar ChatGPT voor kinderen
OpenAI faces lawsuits from 8 US states for child harm
What people are saying
OpenAI is hurting kids and they are lying to Iowans
My lawsuit is about protecting our kids and holding OpenAI accountable under our state law.
built industry-leading age-specific protections
Teens should be able to use AI to learn, create, and explore