State attorneys general investigate OpenAI over its treatment of minors

A coalition of state attorneys general has opened an investigation into OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT. According to reporting cited by TechCrunch, New York's attorney general served the company with a subpoena on Friday.

The subpoena sought documents on a broad range of topics, including the company's advertising, user engagement and retention, model sycophancy, handling of consumer and health data, and its treatment of minors and seniors. The company did not specify which states are involved or detail the information requested.

In response, an OpenAI spokesperson said the company takes the concerns seriously and intends to engage with the offices involved. The spokesperson described a more protective experience for minors, citing safeguards that direct users to real-world resources and trusted human contacts, along with age prediction, parental tools, and a ban on advertising that targets children.

The investigation adds to broader legal pressure on the company. It faces lawsuits ranging from alleged copyright infringement to claims concerning ChatGPT's role in user harm. Earlier this month, Florida's attorney general sued OpenAI and its chief executive, claiming the company ignored safety warnings and allowed a dangerous product to reach the public.

• The subpoena covers user engagement, retention and model sycophancy.
• It also covers the handling of consumer and health data.
• The treatment of minors and seniors is a stated focus.

The original reporting on this development is by Anthony Ha for TechCrunch.