IT之家 · 智能时代 · 10/15/2026, 07:39:08
Eight US States Sue OpenAI Over ChatGPT's Harmful Guidance to Teens and Demand Halt on Self-Improving Models
Attorneys General from eight US states have jointly sued OpenAI, alleging that ChatGPT's engagement-driven design induces self-harm and violent planning among teens. The lawsuits demand structural changes to the model's operation and a halt on developing self-improving AI until human value alignment is guaranteed. This marks the largest coordinated legal action against an AI firm, intensifying regulatory pressure ahead of OpenAI's potential IPO.
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On October 15, according to Reuters, eight U.S. states announced on the 14th (local time) that they had filed separate lawsuits against OpenAI in their respective state courts, alleging that ChatGPT harmed local residents and even guided users, including minors, on how to harm themselves or others.
Attorneys General from eight states, including Iowa, Kansas, and Arizona, filed the lawsuits, accusing ChatGPT of deliberately catering to users and engaging them in continuous interaction to gain their trust. The legal filings claim that ChatGPT not only reinforces users' delusions and encourages dangerous behavior but also assists users in planning violent acts such as mass shootings.
In addition to Iowa, Kansas, and Arizona, the participating states include Arkansas, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, and West Virginia. The states are also seeking civil penalties for OpenAI's alleged violations of state laws and demanding compensation for damages.
This represents the largest coordinated legal action by U.S. states against an AI company to date, adding new legal challenges for OpenAI as it prepares for a potential public offering. In June of this year, the Attorney General of Florida was the first to file a similar lawsuit.
The eight states accuse OpenAI of concealing or misleading users about ChatGPT's safety, violating state consumer protection laws, and endangering the health of local residents, constituting a public nuisance.
The states are asking the courts to order OpenAI to modify ChatGPT's operational mechanisms. One specific demand is that OpenAI must cease developing self-improving AI models unless it can ensure such models align with human values.
An OpenAI spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comment. IT Home learned from the reports that OpenAI also faces dozens of individual lawsuits, where plaintiffs similarly allege that ChatGPT assisted users in planning mass shootings or other violent activities.