---
title: "Eight US states sue OpenAI, saying ChatGPT harmed children and that the company misled the public about its safety"
url: https://anawords.com/story/eight-states-sue-openai-chatgpt-child-safety
published: 2026-10-15T12:12:51+05:30
updated: 2026-10-15T12:12:51+05:30
section: Policy & Regulation
author: Mayank Sahu
checked: sources checked by AI, approved by editor
version: 1
---

# Eight US states sue OpenAI, saying ChatGPT harmed children and that the company misled the public about its safety

Attorneys general in Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska and West Virginia filed separate lawsuits on 14 October. OpenAI says it has built age-specific protections and will add more.

**In short:** Attorneys general from eight US states filed separate lawsuits against OpenAI on 14 October 2026. They allege ChatGPT was designed in ways that harm minors and that OpenAI misled the public about its safety. OpenAI says it has built age-specific protections and plans more safeguards.

## What was filed

Attorneys general from Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska and West Virginia each filed their own lawsuit against OpenAI on 14 October 2026, Bloomberg Law reported.[^1] Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach also named the same eight states.[^4]

The suits are brought under state consumer protection laws. Arizona filed in Maricopa County Superior Court under the Arizona Consumer Fraud Act.[^2] Montana filed in Lewis and Clark County under its Consumer Protection Act and Consumer Data Privacy Act.[^3] Kansas cites the Kansas Consumer Protection Act.[^4]

## What the states allege

These are allegations, which OpenAI disputes and no court has ruled on.

- Arizona says OpenAI hid design features that make ChatGPT unusually agreeable and emotionally mimicking, drawing young users into heavier use, and that it rushed the product to market.[^2]
- The states say some ChatGPT replies encouraged self-harm or harm to others.[^1][^2][^3]
- Montana says ChatGPT does not verify users’ ages and collects data from children under 13 without parental consent.[^3]
- Iowa’s attorney general says OpenAI told users ChatGPT is safe, which the state disputes.[^1]

## What the states want

Bloomberg Law reports the states want OpenAI to give up money made from the product while minors were harmed, and to stop making what they call deceptive statements about its safety.[^1] Kansas is seeking civil penalties and an injunction.[^4] Montana asks the court to stop what it calls OpenAI’s dangerous activities and to provide redress to residents.[^3]

## What OpenAI said

OpenAI spokesperson Drew Pusateri told Bloomberg Law the company has built “industry-leading age-specific protections” into ChatGPT and will add more safeguards, such as parental controls and break reminders.[^1] He said OpenAI wants to work with states on AI rules that apply to the whole industry.[^1]

## What comes next

Each case will proceed separately in state court. No hearing dates have been reported.

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## Fact ledger

- [Reported] Eight state attorneys general filed separate lawsuits against OpenAI on 14 October 2026. (source 1,4)
- [Confirmed] Arizona sued in Maricopa County Superior Court under its Consumer Fraud Act. (source 2)
- [Confirmed] Montana sued under its Consumer Protection Act and Consumer Data Privacy Act. (source 3)
- [Confirmed] The states allege ChatGPT harmed minors and that OpenAI misled the public about its safety. (source 2,3,4)
- [Company claim] OpenAI says it has built age-specific protections and will add more safeguards. (source 1)
- [Not known] When the cases will be heard.

## Sources

1. [Bloomberg Law: States hit OpenAI with kids’ online safety lawsuits](https://news.bloomberglaw.com/privacy-and-data-security/half-dozen-states-hit-openai-with-kids-online-safety-lawsuits)
2. [Arizona Attorney General: Lawsuit against OpenAI](https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-mayes-announces-lawsuit-against-openai-deceiving-arizonans-about) — official
3. [Montana Department of Justice: Knudsen files lawsuit against OpenAI](https://dojmt.gov/attorney-general-knudsen-files-lawsuit-against-openai-for-endangering-children-and-teens/) — official
4. [KWCH: Kansas AG Kris Kobach announces lawsuit against OpenAI](https://www.kwch.com/2026/10/14/kansas-ag-kris-kobach-announces-lawsuit-against-openai/)