Texas AG Sues OpenAI Over ChatGPT Safety Claims
Texas AG Ken Paxton sued OpenAI claiming it misled users about ChatGPT’s safety for teens.
Why it matters: This lawsuit is a pivotal test of AI accountability laws and regulatory pressures shaping AI providers’ legal duties, especially as concerns about AI safety for minors escalate.
- Lawsuit filed Oct 23, 2026, accuses OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman of deceptive safety claims.
- Texas seeks injunction to block minors’ access to ChatGPT and court-approved evaluation of future AI models.
- Claims include harms like aiding mass shooters, encouraging suicide, and addicting minors without parental oversight.
- Potential penalties of $10,000 per violation under Texas consumer protection laws.
On October 23, 2026, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman alleging that the company deceptively misled consumers about ChatGPT's safety, particularly for teenage users. The suit claims OpenAI failed to implement adequate safeguards, resulting in serious harms.
According to the complaint, ChatGPT allegedly contributed to harms including aiding mass shooters, encouraging suicide, causing public humiliation, reducing critical thinking skills, and addicting minors without parental oversight.
Paxton is pushing for an injunction requiring OpenAI to block minors from accessing ChatGPT. Additionally, the company must obtain third-party approval from a court-appointed evaluator for any new AI models before release, as reported by the Texas Tribune.
The lawsuit cites the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices—Consumer Protection Act (DTPA) and the Securing Children Online through Parental Empowerment Act, exposing OpenAI to potential civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation. Paxton stated, "With the rapid advancement of AI technology, OpenAI has the responsibility to protect users and warn them of the many dangers of its platform. I will fight to protect Texans from the harms of AI and ensure that powerful technology companies are not above the law."
This case reflects a growing legal crackdown on AI providers amid rising safety concerns, particularly relating to young users. Paxton has taken similar actions against companies like Meta and TikTok, highlighting the increased regulatory scrutiny over technology platforms and their impact on minors.
By the numbers:
- $10,000 per violation — potential civil penalties sought under Texas consumer protection laws
- October 23, 2026 — date when lawsuit was filed