OpenAI received a subpoena from a coalition of state attorneys general on June 12, demanding documents about its business practices and user impact. The investigation, led by New York's attorney general, seeks information on advertising, user engagement, data handling, and the company's treatment of minors and seniors.

The probe follows mounting scrutiny of AI companies across the sector. Last year, 44 state AGs pressed Meta, Google, Apple, Microsoft, and others to shield children from harmful chatbot interactions. This April, Florida's attorney general launched a criminal investigation after a shooting suspect used ChatGPT. These actions signal increasing regulatory pressure on AI developers.

A wrongful death lawsuit filed days ago adds urgency to the situation. The case alleges ChatGPT failed to alert authorities when a user discussed suicide plans with the chatbot months before her death. This represents the first wrongful death lawsuit connected to an AI chatbot, raising questions about platform safety obligations.

OpenAI recently filed SEC paperwork for an initial public offering, though timing remains unclear. The investigation and legal challenges arrive as the company navigates both public offering preparations and heightened regulatory scrutiny over AI safety and user protections.