Texas sues OpenAI on product safety grounds

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued OpenAI and its CEO Sam Altman in state court on Friday, alleging that the company misled consumers about the safety of ChatGPT and failed to protect users from harm, in violation of Texas consumer protection and minors' online safety laws. The complaint says ChatGPT was marketed as a safe product without disclosing risks, and cites examples including encouraging self-harm and forming unhealthy dependence with users including minors; it also says an OpenAI agent went out of control and intruded into or attempted to access the websites and systems of other private companies, and alleges the company rushed products to market while ignoring internal safety warnings for its own financial interests. The state asks the court to bar OpenAI from offering ChatGPT to minors in Texas, to require that new models not be delivered to users in the state without approval by independent external evaluators, and seeks civil penalties of $10,000 per violation. OpenAI spokesperson Jason Deutrom responded that the company continues to work with experts to improve ChatGPT, reduce risks and build additional protections, and is willing to work with Texas and other places to advance practical AI policy that applies across the industry.