Today, on October 16, 2026, it has been reported that eight U.S. states have filed lawsuits against OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT. Plaintiffs claim that the chatbot may cause emotional dependency in children and negatively affect their mental health.
Accusations Against OpenAI
The lawsuits concern insufficient protection for minors and the concealment of potential risks associated with the use of artificial intelligence. The main accusations include:
- Creating an illusion of true friendship, where AI imitates human empathy;
- Excessive agreement with users, which may foster unhealthy emotional attachments;
- Deterioration of critical thinking and exacerbation of anxiety states;
- Dangerous advice, including instances where the chatbot allegedly encouraged self-harm and violence.
Demands of the Plaintiffs
Plaintiffs are demanding not only financial compensation from OpenAI but also significant changes in the operational principles of ChatGPT. They are calling for enhanced protection for children, specifically:
- Implementation of new mechanisms to protect teenagers;
- Development of parental controls;
- Establishment of additional restrictions on the use of the chatbot.
OpenAI's Response
In response to the accusations, OpenAI stated that it has already implemented special mechanisms to protect teenagers, including parental controls and additional restrictions. However, the lawsuits reflect the growing concern of society regarding the impact of artificial intelligence on youth.