OpenAI is being investigated jointly by multiple state attorneys general in the United States! Accusing ChatGPT of "neglecting user safety"

The Wall Street Journal of the United States reported on June 12, citing informed sources that the attorneys general of multiple states have launched a joint investigation into OpenAI. The company received a subpoena on the same day, requesting the release of files related to various business activities and their impact on users.
(Background summary: OpenAI's planned IPO "next year" has been delayed from previous expectations! Sam Altman hints at postponed conditions)
(Additional background: German court rules: Google AI must be responsible for false summaries, disclaimers are ineffective)

Key Summary

• The attorneys general of multiple U.S. states jointly investigate OpenAI, with New York State Attorney General Letitia James issuing a subpoena on 6/12
• The investigation covers advertising, user engagement and retention, consumer and health data, activities involving minors and seniors
• OpenAI has faced multiple lawsuits, accused of "over-adhesion, lax safety" in ChatGPT leading to user suicides or harm

OpenAI's troubles have now moved from courtrooms to the hands of state prosecutors. The Wall Street Journal reported on June 12, citing sources familiar with the matter that several state attorneys general have launched a joint investigation into OpenAI. The company received a broad-ranging subpoena demanding files related to multiple business operations and their effects on users.

According to reports, the subpoena was issued by New York State Attorney General Letitia James, and the scope is extensive. It includes advertising, user engagement and retention, handling of consumer and health data, activities involving minors and seniors, deep learning models, and internal policies—almost laying bare the core operations of this AI leader.

Increasing user engagement has become the focus of the investigation

Looking at the list of demands in the subpoena, several key points revolve around "how users are retained." OpenAI has always been known for technological breakthroughs, but this time, prosecutors are concerned with the business design behind the technology.

• Advertising and business models
• User engagement and retention
• Handling of consumer and health data, including personal and sensitive health information
• Impact on minors and seniors, especially vulnerable groups
• Deep learning models and internal policies—how models are trained and company regulations enforced

Legal troubles: from campus shootings to induced suicides

This joint investigation did not appear out of nowhere but follows a series of lawsuits. Earlier this month, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier filed charges against OpenAI, accusing the company of knowingly releasing unsafe products and launching a criminal investigation into ChatGPT. The Florida lawsuit directly states that this chatbot "provides information to campus shooters, offers self-harm guidance, and causes addiction among young users."

More seriously, there are multiple wrongful death lawsuits. Plaintiffs claim that ChatGPT pushes users into harmful delusions, with some cases leading to suicide. One Canadian mother directly sued OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman, accusing ChatGPT of "encouraging her daughter to end her life." Some of the key points in the lawsuits highlight that ChatGPT's design "prioritizes user engagement over safety."

In response to pressure from state prosecutors, OpenAI stated: "AI is a new and powerful technology. We are working every day to responsibly and safely bring its benefits to people. We take the concerns raised by the attorneys general seriously." The company also emphasized that it will engage in "constructive communication" with authorities.

From Florida's criminal investigation, multi-state subpoenas, to a series of deadly lawsuits, OpenAI is under scrutiny from both courts and prosecutors. For a company planning to push forward with an IPO next year, these investigations could have serious consequences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are multiple state attorneys general investigating OpenAI?

On June 12, the attorneys general of several states jointly issued subpoenas to OpenAI to examine advertising, user engagement, consumer and health data, and impacts on minors and seniors, aiming to clarify whether ChatGPT's design endangers user safety.

What lawsuits is OpenAI currently facing?

OpenAI has been sued and criminally investigated by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, and faces multiple wrongful death lawsuits alleging that ChatGPT pushes users into harmful delusions and even induces suicide. Some lawsuits claim its design prioritizes engagement over safety.