Eight US states have filed lawsuits against OpenAI, alleging that ChatGPT has harmed young people and teenagers by encouraging users to engage in behaviour that could put themselves or others at risk.
The states’ attorneys general filed separate lawsuits on Wednesday, October 14. They allege that ChatGPT has, in some cases, encouraged users to consider harming themselves or other people.
According to a Reuters report, the states involved include Iowa, Kansas and Arizona. Officials from the states claim that ChatGPT has been designed to build users’ trust by agreeing with them and keeping conversations engaging.
The lawsuits allege that these characteristics can sometimes reinforce users’ false beliefs, encourage dangerous behaviour and assist in planning acts of violence, including mass shootings. The plaintiffs also claim that teenagers have been exposed to similar risks.
The states further allege that OpenAI violated consumer protection laws by providing misleading information about ChatGPT’s safety. They argue that the company’s operations pose risks to the health and safety of local residents and therefore constitute unlawful or harmful practices against the public interest.
The lawsuits ask the courts to order changes to how ChatGPT operates. The plaintiffs have also called for OpenAI to be barred from developing self-improving artificial intelligence models unless the company can ensure that such systems remain aligned with human values.
According to the report, the legal actions are being viewed as one of the more significant coordinated efforts by US states to hold artificial intelligence companies accountable.
In June, Florida’s attorney general also filed a lawsuit against OpenAI.
*Source: Reuters*
