Texas Sues OpenAI and Sam Altman Over ChatGPT Safety Claims
Texas has sued OpenAI and its chief executive, Sam Altman. The state says the company promoted ChatGPT as safe but did not do enough to protect users, including children, from possibly harmful conversations with the AI chatbot.
The lawsuit uses Texas laws against misleading business practices. It asks for civil fines of up to $10,000 (about ₹9.51 lakh) for each violation. It also asks the court to place strict limits on how OpenAI can offer ChatGPT in Texas.
In an unusual move, Texas is also asking the court to hold Altman personally responsible for the alleged misleading practices.
Texas Seeks Major Restrictions on ChatGPT
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton wants a court order that would require OpenAI to stop minors from using ChatGPT.
The state also wants an independent expert chosen by the court to review new OpenAI models before the company releases them.
The lawsuit also asks the court to stop ChatGPT from giving users information about suicide, eating disorders, and ways to carry out violence.
Texas also claims that OpenAI has not done enough to check users' identities. The state argues that this breaks the laws that apply in Texas.
OpenAI denies the allegations. A company spokesperson said OpenAI works with experts to make ChatGPT better, reduce risks, and add more safety measures. The company also said governments have an important role in setting safety rules for AI. It believes these rules should apply to the whole artificial intelligence industry, not just one company.
Lawsuit Accuses OpenAI of Misleading Consumers
Texas claims that OpenAI's public statements about ChatGPT's safety do not match how well its safety measures work.
The lawsuit makes several serious claims about harm that may be linked to the chatbot. These include claims involving people who are at risk, children, and people looking for information that could cause harm.
These are claims made by the Texas government as part of the lawsuit. A court has not yet proven them to be true.
The lawsuit also highlights how quickly OpenAI's value has grown. According to the legal filing, the company's value rose from about $17 billion (about ₹1.62 lakh crore) to more than $1.4 trillion (about ₹133.20 lakh crore) in four years.
Texas claims that OpenAI grew in value while failing to do enough to protect users and clearly explain the risks of its products.
Case Adds to Texas Scrutiny of Technology Companies
This lawsuit is the latest legal action Texas has taken against a major technology company over consumer protection, privacy, and online safety.
In July 2024, Meta agreed to pay Texas $1.4 billion (about ₹13,320 crore) to settle claims that it used facial-recognition technology without users' permission.
The case against OpenAI goes further because it seeks major changes to how an AI service works. These changes include limits on use by minors and independent reviews of future models.
The court will now review Texas's claims and its requests for fines and court orders requiring changes. OpenAI has said it will keep working with governments on AI safety rules while defending the safety measures it uses for ChatGPT.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student who is becoming increasingly interested in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes about online activity, cyber threats, and risks linked to technology. Her work aims to explain these topics clearly and accurately and help the public understand them.