OpenAI on Friday said it intends to engage constructively with state attorneys general following an investigation by a coalition of state AGs, according to a company spokesperson. The Wall Street Journal reported that OpenAI was served with a subpoena seeking information about its approach to advertising, consumer and health data, minor and senior users, and models. The statement comes as the artificial intelligence company, which supports more than 1 billion monthly active ChatGPT users and reached a valuation of $850 billion earlier this year, faces mounting legal challenges while preparing for an IPO that could land as soon as this year.
State Attorneys General Serve OpenAI with Subpoena
A coalition of state attorneys general opened an investigation into OpenAI and served the company with a subpoena, The Wall Street Journal reported. The subpoena seeks information about OpenAI's approach to advertising, consumer and health data, minor and senior users, and models, among other activities. The company spokesperson stated that OpenAI will take the concerns seriously and work to engage constructively with state attorneys general. OpenAI confidentially filed its prospectus with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Monday.
OpenAI Faces Multiple Lawsuits Over ChatGPT Safety Concerns
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier sued OpenAI earlier this month, alleging that the company knowingly released an unsafe product, namely ChatGPT, that could harm users. Uthmeier said during a press conference at the time that he expected other states to take similar action. Seven families of the victims of the Tumbler Ridge mass shooting, which took place in Canada in February, are suing the company. The families allege that the attacker used ChatGPT to plan the attack, and that the company did not do anything to stop it. OpenAI is also facing a number of wrongful death lawsuits, which allege that ChatGPT drove users to experience harmful delusions and, in some cases, to commit suicide.
OpenAI Implements Protective Measures for Vulnerable Users
OpenAI's spokesperson said Friday that today's ChatGPT includes a more protective experience for minors and people experiencing difficult situations, with safeguards that direct them to real-world resources and trusted human contacts. The company spokesperson stated that AI is a new and powerful technology, and that OpenAI works every day to safely bring its benefits to people in a responsible way. OpenAI rocketed into the mainstream in 2022 following the launch of its chatbot ChatGPT. The company has ballooned into one of the most valuable private companies on the planet.
FAQ
What investigation is OpenAI facing from state attorneys general?
A coalition of state attorneys general opened an investigation into OpenAI and served the company with a subpoena seeking information about its approach to advertising, consumer and health data, minor and senior users, and models, among other activities, according to The Wall Street Journal.
What lawsuits has OpenAI been served with recently?
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier sued OpenAI earlier this month alleging the company knowingly released an unsafe product. Seven families of the victims of the Tumbler Ridge mass shooting in Canada in February filed a lawsuit alleging the attacker used ChatGPT to plan the attack. OpenAI also faces wrongful death lawsuits alleging ChatGPT drove users to experience harmful delusions and commit suicide.
What protective measures has OpenAI implemented for ChatGPT users?
OpenAI stated Friday that today's ChatGPT includes a more protective experience for minors and people experiencing difficult situations, with safeguards that direct them to real-world resources and trusted human contacts.
