Eight states file coordinated lawsuits sues OpenAi, alleging ChatGPT safety failures

Eight states are suing OpenAI over allegations that its ChatGPT artificial intelligence platform failed to adequately protect users, including teenagers, from potentially harmful content, raising new questions about consumer safety, parental controls and the growing influence of AI technology.

The lawsuits accuse the company of violating consumer protection laws, providing dangerous advice and misleading the public about the effectiveness of its safety measures.

The legal challenges come as AI assistants become increasingly integrated into everyday life, with consumers relying on the technology for everything from homework assistance and research to financial decisions, online shopping and personal conversations.

Cybersecurity expert and privacy attorney Leeza Garber joined The National News Desk to discuss the allegations against OpenAI, what parents should know about ChatGPT's safety features and the broader risks associated with AI agents that can act on behalf of users.

"If we look at what the claims are here in this lawsuit, which is eight states bipartisan coming together, it's all based on safety and a failure to warn," Garber said.

"They're alleging dangerous medical advice. They're alleging coaching for self-harm. They're alleging terrible content that's allowed for teens and minors to view."