- Attorneys general cite teen suicide and murder-suicide linked to ChatGPT.
- Officials scrutinize OpenAI’s restructuring to ensure nonprofit mission remains.
- OpenAI pledges stronger parental controls and teen protections.
OpenAI is facing renewed scrutiny from state officials after two attorneys general raised urgent concerns about the risks its AI tools pose to children and teens. California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings sent an open letter to OpenAI, citing recent tragedies and pressing the company for stronger safeguards.
Attorneys General Cite Tragic Cases
The letter highlights deeply troubling incidents, including the death by suicide of a California teenager and a murder-suicide in Connecticut, both allegedly linked to prolonged interactions with an OpenAI chatbot. “Whatever safeguards were in place did not work,” Bonta and Jennings wrote, underscoring the urgency of their concerns.
Just last week, Bonta and 44 other attorneys general had called on 12 leading AI companies to address reports of sexually inappropriate interactions between chatbots and minors. The latest letter reflects escalating pressure on OpenAI and the broader AI industry to act swiftly.
Scrutiny Over OpenAI’s Restructuring
Beyond safety concerns, the attorneys general are also examining OpenAI’s proposed restructuring into a for-profit entity. They want to ensure the nonprofit’s original mission—to safely develop artificial general intelligence (AGI) for the benefit of humanity—remains intact. “Before we get to benefiting, we need to ensure that adequate safety measures are in place to not harm,” the letter stressed.
The officials have requested more information on OpenAI’s current safety protocols and governance, insisting that immediate remedial steps be taken where necessary.
OpenAI Responds to Growing Pressure
Bret Taylor, chair of OpenAI’s board, expressed condolences for the tragedies and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to safety. “We are heartbroken by these tragedies and our deepest sympathies are with the families,” Taylor said, adding that OpenAI is expanding protections for teens, including parental controls and notifications when a child shows signs of acute distress.
The pressure from top state officials signals a pivotal moment in the AI safety debate. As OpenAI works on its recapitalization and continues developing advanced AI systems, regulators are demanding that safety—not speed—remain the top priority.
Also Read: OpenAI Restructures Model Behavior Team to Boost AI Personality and Safety
With mounting tragedies linked to AI misuse, the call from Bonta and Jennings highlights an urgent reality: protecting children must come before technological breakthroughs. OpenAI now faces the dual challenge of maintaining public trust while delivering on its ambitious mission.
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