Paxton Sues OpenAI, Alleging ChatGPT Poses Risks to Texans

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has sued OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman, alleging the company misled consumers about the safety of ChatGPT and failed to adequately protect Texas users, particularly children.

The lawsuit, filed Oct. 23 in Collin County District Court, alleges violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices-Consumer Protection Act. The state also argues that OpenAI has not done enough to protect minors who use ChatGPT.

According to the lawsuit, OpenAI has marketed ChatGPT as a safe and reliable tool while failing to adequately disclose potential risks associated with artificial intelligence chatbots. The state alleges that ChatGPT can produce inaccurate or harmful information and that the company did not implement sufficient safeguards.

The lawsuit points to several alleged harms, including claims that vulnerable users have been encouraged toward self-harm and that minors have developed unhealthy reliance on the chatbot.

The state also alleges that ChatGPT does not adequately verify the ages of users. The lawsuit seeks restrictions that would prevent minors from accessing ChatGPT in Texas, require age verification and parental consent for younger users, and require independent review of new OpenAI models before they are released in the state.

Texas is also seeking civil penalties of up to $10,000 per alleged violation, along with other relief.

“With the rapid advancement of AI technology, OpenAI has the responsibility to protect users and warn them of the many dangers of its platform,” Paxton said in announcing the lawsuit. “I will fight to protect Texans from the harms of AI and ensure that powerful technology companies are not above the law.”

OpenAI disputed the allegations and said it has worked with experts to improve ChatGPT’s safeguards.

“As part of our focus on responsibly delivering the benefits of AI, we’ve worked closely with experts to continually improve ChatGPT, mitigate risks and build additional safeguards,” an OpenAI spokesperson told FOX 4. The company also said governments have a role in establishing AI safety standards and that it is willing to work with Texas and other states on policies applying across the industry.

The lawsuit adds Texas to a growing national debate over the potential risks and regulation of artificial intelligence, particularly regarding the use of AI chatbots by children and teenagers.