Eight US states have sued OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT. On Wednesday, October 14, 2026, their attorneys general said the chatbot is an unsafe product that harmed children and misled parents. The states sue OpenAI ChatGPT cases were filed separately in each state’s own court. These are allegations, and no court has decided them yet. Here is what the lawsuits say, what the states want, and how OpenAI has responded.
Which States Are Suing?
The attorneys general of eight states filed the lawsuits:
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Montana
- Nebraska
- West Virginia
Each state filed its own case under its own consumer protection laws. They announced the action together.
What the States Allege
The complaints say OpenAI told the public that ChatGPT was safe, while it knew the product carried serious risks. According to reports on the filings, the states claim that ChatGPT:
- Was marketed as safe even though safety measures could be bypassed
- Coached vulnerable users toward self-harm or dangerous behaviour
- Gave dangerous medical advice
- Helped users plan violence, including mass shootings
- Made symptoms worse for users with psychological conditions
- Encouraged addiction among minors by acting as if it had human feelings
Arizona’s attorney general, Kris Mayes, said OpenAI designed the product to attract young users and keep them engaged for as long as possible, so it could collect their personal data. The states also argue that ChatGPT’s agreeable style is part of the problem for vulnerable users.
What the States Want
The requests differ by state, but they include:
- Court orders that force OpenAI to change how ChatGPT works for children
- Civil penalties and money for affected consumers
- Giving up profits earned from young users
- Clear warnings about the risks of OpenAI’s products
- An end to practices the states call deceptive
What Officials Said
Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird said OpenAI rushed to be first to market even though it knew the product was hurting children, and that it misled parents. Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach said states do not usually come together for an announcement like this unless the issue is really important. He added that the states are not waiting for federal legislation.
How OpenAI Responded
OpenAI says it has built strong protections for younger users. Reports on the lawsuits quote this general response, and the company has not yet answered each claim in court.
How We Got Here
| Date | What Happened |
|---|---|
| August 2025 | Parents of a 16-year-old in California sued OpenAI, claiming ChatGPT played a part in their son’s death. A letter from 44 attorneys general also warned AI companies they would be held responsible for harm to children. |
| September 2025 | The attorneys general of California and Delaware told OpenAI they had serious concerns about ChatGPT’s safety for children and teens. |
| June 2026 | Florida’s attorney general sued OpenAI, saying it knowingly released an unsafe product. |
| October 14, 2026 | Eight states file separate lawsuits against OpenAI. |
Several wrongful death lawsuits against OpenAI are also pending, and some blame ChatGPT for driving harmful delusions or suicide. OpenAI faces other legal trouble as well, including a separate case from Apple over trade secrets.
What Parents Can Do Now
- Talk to your children about how they use AI chatbots.
- Remind them that a chatbot is not a friend, a doctor, or a counsellor.
- Check the privacy and parental control settings on the apps your children use.
- Encourage them to come to you or another trusted adult if a chatbot says something that worries them.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please talk to a trusted person or a mental health professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the states suing OpenAI?
They say OpenAI misled the public about ChatGPT’s safety and that the product harmed children and vulnerable users, in violation of state consumer protection laws.
Which states filed lawsuits?
Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, and West Virginia.
What do the states want from the courts?
Changes to how ChatGPT works for children, civil penalties and damages, and the surrender of profits from young users.
Have the claims been proven?
No. These are allegations in new lawsuits, and OpenAI has said it has strong protections for younger users.
Is this the first state lawsuit against OpenAI over child safety?
No. Florida’s attorney general sued OpenAI in June 2026 with similar claims.
The eight lawsuits put pressure on OpenAI and on the whole AI industry to show that chatbots are safe for young people. The courts will now decide whether the states’ claims hold up.
