Kansas sues OpenAI, accusing ChatGPT of endangering children and misleading parents

Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach filed a sweeping lawsuit against OpenAI, accusing the company behind ChatGPT of misleading consumers, endangering children and putting profits ahead of public safety.

The 72-page lawsuit alleges OpenAI knowingly marketed ChatGPT as safe and appropriate for teenagers despite evidence that the artificial intelligence chatbot could encourage suicide, reinforce dangerous delusions, and provide harmful medical advice.

Kansas is among at least eight states pursuing legal action against OpenAI in a coordinated effort targeting the company's safety practices.

The lawsuit claims OpenAI deliberately designed ChatGPT to imitate human emotions, flatter users, and encourage prolonged conversations, creating potentially dangerous emotional dependencies, particularly among children and people experiencing mental health crises.

The petition also accuses OpenAI of collecting personal information from children younger than 13 without adequate age verification, despite its privacy policy stating the company does not knowingly collect such data.

Kansas alleges six violations of the Kansas Consumer Protection Act, including deceptive marketing, concealing product dangers, and engaging in unconscionable business practices.

The lawsuit cites several deaths documented in other legal complaints, including those of teenagers whose families allege ChatGPT provided instructions for suicide rather than directing them toward professional help.

Kobach is asking a judge to permanently prohibit the allegedly unlawful practices, require restitution to Kansas consumers,

and impose civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation, or $20,000 for violations involving protected consumers.

OpenAI has previously defended its commitment to responsible artificial intelligence development and said it intends to work with state regulators.