Iowa sues OpenAI under the state's consumer fraud act
by Janelle Brisbine
Updated
Iowa's Office of the Attorney General says OpenAI violated the state's consumer fraud act.
DES MOINES, Iowa — Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird is suing OpenAI, accusing the company behind ChatGPT of misleading Iowans about the chatbot’s safety.
The lawsuit claims OpenAI failed to adequately warn consumers about risks associated with ChatGPT, including responses that could provide harmful advice or encourage self-harm or violence.
Bird says the company’s marketing and safety claims violate Iowa’s consumer fraud law.
“OpenAI is hurting kids and they are lying to Iowans,” Bird said. “OpenAI claims ChatGPT is safe while it’s giving dangerous medical advice, encouraging people to hurt others, and coaching people to commit suicide — all while pretending to be their fake friend. My lawsuit is about protecting our kids and holding OpenAI accountable under our state law.”
Iowa is asking a court to require OpenAI to stop the practices described in the lawsuit.
Iowa’s News Now has asked OpenAI for comment.
Several other states have filed separate lawsuits against OpenAI.
In February the company shared an update on some of those cases.
OpenAI also says it has introduced additional safety measures for teenagers, including parental controls and protections for users experiencing emotional distress.