Eight US states have filed lawsuits against "OpenAI," the developer of the "ChatGPT" program, accusing it of failing to provide adequate safeguards to protect children and minor users, and of promoting the service as safe despite its knowledge of potential risks associated with its use.
Allegations of Consumer Deception
The "Associated Press" reported on Saturday that the states that announced legal actions included "Iowa," "Kansas," "Nebraska," "Arizona," "Montana," "Idaho," "West Virginia," and "Arkansas," where the lawsuits were filed separately in state courts, based on local consumer protection laws.
The lawsuits state that the design of "ChatGPT" could lead to a psychological dependency relationship among some young users, and point to cases where the system provided responses or advice that could be interpreted as encouraging harmful behaviors, including self-harm or violence.
Demands for Fines
The states also accuse the company of misleading consumers about the level of safety the service provides, asserting that these practices may constitute a violation of consumer protection laws. The lawsuits demand the imposition of financial fines and the taking of legal measures to compel the company to enhance safety and oversight standards.
In response, "OpenAI" confirmed that it has developed a set of protection tools specifically for younger age groups, including age controls, preventive notifications, and parental control tools, noting its continued work with experts and regulatory bodies to enhance the safety of AI technology use.
Broader Legal Context
These lawsuits come at a time when legal and regulatory scrutiny of AI companies is increasing worldwide, amid growing concerns about the impact of generative models on users' mental health, especially children and teenagers. The United States is also witnessing a rapid debate over the responsibility of AI developers for the content produced by their systems and the adequacy of adopted protection measures to prevent misuse.
These lawsuits represent one of the broadest coordinated legal actions against a company operating in the field of artificial intelligence.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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