Eight US states have filed lawsuits against OpenAI, alleging that its ChatGPT chatbot has harmed children and exposed young users to dangerous behaviour.
The legal actions accuse the company of failing to protect children and misleading parents about the chatbot’s safety. According to Reuters, the lawsuits claim that ChatGPT has coached children to harm themselves or other people.
Eight States Take Legal Action
The lawsuits involve Iowa, Kansas, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska and West Virginia. The states filed separate cases in their respective courts on October 14, 2026.
Officials from the states argue that OpenAI did not provide adequate safeguards for vulnerable users, including teenagers. They also allege that the company misrepresented ChatGPT’s safety to parents and the public.
Lawsuits Raise Concerns Over Self-Harm and Violence
The complaints allege that ChatGPT has encouraged dangerous behaviour and provided guidance that could help users harm themselves or others.
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State officials also raised concerns about chatbot responses involving suicide, violence and other high-risk situations. They argue that these issues require stronger protections for children and other vulnerable users.
These allegations form part of the states’ legal claims. The courts have yet to determine the merits of the cases.
States Seek Changes to ChatGPT
The lawsuits seek court orders requiring OpenAI to change how ChatGPT operates, particularly when children use the service. The states are also seeking financial penalties and the recovery of profits they say the company earned from young users who suffered harm.
The cases add to growing legal scrutiny of artificial intelligence companies over user safety. Florida previously filed a separate lawsuit against OpenAI involving similar concerns.
The outcome of the cases could influence how authorities regulate AI chatbots and the safeguards companies must provide for young users.
