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States Probe OpenAI Over Child Safety and Data Use

Hacker News •
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OpenAI faces a sweeping probe launched by a coalition of state attorneys general. New York, Colorado and several other states have subpoenaed the company for internal documents on user data handling, child safety, and advertising practices. The move follows a rise in complaints over AI‑generated scams and self‑harm incidents involving minors.

OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman said the firm takes the concerns seriously and will cooperate with state offices. The company highlighted that its latest ChatGPT release incorporates new safeguards, including parental controls to shield children. Altman emphasized learning from incidents, noting that families’ experiences drive continuous improvement for safer deployment worldwide.

The investigation echoes earlier legal actions, such as Florida’s lawsuit alleging ChatGPT endangers children and New Mexico’s $375 million verdict against Meta over child safety violations. These cases illustrate how state regulators increasingly target AI firms for potential harms, demanding tighter oversight of data use, content safety, and advertising transparency to protect users and ensure compliance.

With AI adoption accelerating, regulators press for clearer accountability. OpenAI’s response signals a shift toward more robust safety features, yet the breadth of the inquiry suggests that state oversight will shape the industry’s trajectory. The outcome will set a precedent for how AI companies manage risk while scaling new technologies across future deployments worldwide today.