Artificial Intelligence

Eight US States Sue OpenAI Over ChatGPT Child Safety Concerns

OpenAI is facing a new wave of legal action from eight US states alleging that the company unlawfully prioritized profits over safety while endangering children and vulnerable users with ChatGPT.

Radwan AbdulhadiEditor and technology writer

Published: October 15, 2026 · Updated: October 15, 2026 · 3 min read

Eight US States Sue OpenAI Over ChatGPT Child Safety Concerns — Image: The Verge

Eight States File Separate Lawsuits Against OpenAI

OpenAI is facing a new wave of lawsuits from eight US states that accuse the company of harming children and misleading customers about the safety of ChatGPT, as reported earlier by Reuters. The legal actions were filed separately by Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, West Virginia, Arkansas, Arizona, Idaho, and Montana.

The lawsuits allege that OpenAI unlawfully put profits over safety when developing and scaling ChatGPT, violating local consumer protection laws by failing to properly warn customers about the chatbot's risks.

Allegations Concerning Vulnerable Users and Safety

The string of complaints cites several previous legal challenges brought forward by the family members of teens and adults who argue that the AI chatbot played a role in the tragic deaths of their loved ones. According to the state filings, OpenAI misleadingly presented ChatGPT as a safe, youth-appropriate tool.

The states claim the tool was actually dangerous to vulnerable users. The filings argue that the chatbot is capable of degrading critical thinking skills, encouraging paranoias and delusions, offering dangerous medical advice, and promoting unhealthy behaviors and relationships.

Data Collection, Minors, and Rogue AI Incidents

In addition to safety concerns regarding younger users, the states accuse OpenAI of collecting data from minors and failing to implement sufficient safeguards to prevent underage users from accessing the chatbot. The complaints also cite recent rogue AI hacking incidents as evidence of the company's alleged recklessness.

Specific claims highlighted in Arizona's lawsuit argue that the company has drifted away from its original foundational mission.

OpenAI Responds to State Legal Actions

In an emailed statement provided to The Verge, OpenAI spokesperson Drew Pusateri defended the company's existing safety measures, noting that OpenAI has built industry-leading age-specific protections directly into ChatGPT.

Pusateri stated that while no system can be completely perfect, the company remains dedicated to working alongside experts to inform ongoing improvements. He highlighted features like parental controls, break reminders, and age-appropriate model protections, adding that OpenAI is committed to working collaboratively with states on pragmatic AI policies spanning the broader industry rather than targeting just one company.

Demands from the States

The litigating states are asking the courts to force OpenAI to pay a series of civil penalties and to immediately stop misleading the public about the safety profile of ChatGPT. Furthermore, some of the participating states are seeking the complete deletion of any unlawfully collected personal data.