Eight US states have sued OpenAI, claiming its chatbot ChatGPT puts users, including teenagers, at risk. The states accuse the company of allowing the chatbot to encourage harmful behavior and help users plan violent acts.
Attorneys general from both political parties announced the lawsuits on Wednesday, October 14, Reuters reported.
Iowa, Kansas, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska and West Virginia each filed a separate lawsuit.
States Raise Concerns About ChatGPT Safety
The states claim OpenAI designed ChatGPT to agree with users and keep them engaged. They argue that this approach helps the chatbot gain users’ trust.
According to the lawsuits, ChatGPT has supported false beliefs, encouraged harmful actions and helped some users plan violence. The states also cite concerns about mass shootings.
The attorneys general accuse OpenAI of misleading users about ChatGPT’s safety. They argue that the company broke state consumer protection laws and put public health at risk.
These claims remain allegations. Courts have not yet ruled on them.
States Demand Changes and Financial Penalties
The eight states want OpenAI to change how ChatGPT works. They also seek financial penalties and damages.
The lawsuits call for limits on AI systems that can improve themselves. The states want OpenAI to prove that such systems follow human values before developing them further.
The legal action marks a major joint challenge against an AI company.
Florida filed a similar lawsuit against OpenAI in June 2026. It became the first US state to take this step over child safety concerns.
OpenAI also faces dozens of lawsuits from individuals. Some claim ChatGPT helped users plan shootings or other violent acts.
Reuters contacted OpenAI for comment, but the company did not immediately respond.
The new lawsuits add to OpenAI’s legal problems as the company prepares for a possible stock market listing.
