US Attorneys General Warn OpenAI Over Child Safety, For-Profit Shift

California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings have issued a stern warning to OpenAI concerning the safety of ChatGPT, particularly its interactions with children and teenagers. This warning follows tragic incidents, including the suicide of a 16-year-old Californian after prolonged use of ChatGPT and a murder-suicide in Connecticut, which officials say demonstrate that existing safeguards have failed. The attorneys general have expressed deep concern over reports of sexually inappropriate interactions between AI chatbots and minors and have called for stronger safety protocols. They are also investigating OpenAI’s shift to a for-profit model to ensure the company upholds its original nonprofit mission to develop AI responsibly for the benefit of all, especially vulnerable populations like children. The officials have requested detailed information on OpenAI’s current safety measures and governance, urging immediate remedial actions to prevent further harm. This intervention is part of a broader initiative involving 45 attorneys general addressing risks posed by AI companies, emphasizing that public safety must be prioritized alongside AI innovation.