Eight States Sue OpenAI Over ChatGPT Safety as FTC Reportedly Subpoenas OpenAI and Anthropic

Attorneys general in eight states filed separate consumer-protection suits against OpenAI on Oct. 14, alleging it misled parents and users about ChatGPT’s safety. The same day, Axios reports, the FTC sent formal document demands to OpenAI and Anthropic.

On Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026, attorneys general in Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, West Virginia, Arkansas, Arizona, Idaho and Montana each sued OpenAI in their own state courts. They accuse the company of misleading parents and users, including children, about how safe ChatGPT is. Arkansas’s release also lists Utah among states filing similar suits; we could not confirm a Utah filing, and major outlets report eight states.

What the states allege (allegations, not court findings): Arizona’s complaint, filed in Maricopa County Superior Court, says ChatGPT was designed to be “uniquely sycophantic” to keep minors engaged, and that OpenAI didn’t disclose risks such as dangerous medical guidance and outputs users took as encouraging self-harm. Arkansas cites its deceptive-trade-practices law, a children’s and teens’ privacy law, and negligence, design-defect and public-nuisance claims. Iowa’s petition was filed in Polk County District Court.

What they want: Arkansas asks for an injunction (including on collecting minors’ data), clear risk disclosures, restitution, civil penalties, and a halt to advanced AI testing and to building models capable of “recursive self-improvement” until adequate safeguards are in place.

OpenAI’s response (reported): Spokesperson Drew Pusateri told CNBC that ChatGPT has age-specific protections “many other AI products lack,” pointed to parental controls, break reminders and teen safeguards, and said OpenAI is working with states on rules that apply to the whole industry.

FTC (reported, not officially announced): Axios, citing one person familiar, reported that the FTC on Wednesday sent civil investigative demands of more than 50 pages each to OpenAI and Anthropic, seeking documents on security incidents, safeguards, marketing and privacy policies, and that the agency plans to compel top executives to testify. OpenAI told Axios it “will engage constructively with the FTC.”

What this means for you: Nothing changes in ChatGPT today. If your kids use it, check its parental controls and teen settings. If you build on AI, expect more requests for safety and incident documentation. Courts have not ruled on any of these claims.

If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 (U.S.) to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Eight States Sue OpenAI Over ChatGPT Safety as FTC Reportedly Subpoenas OpenAI and Anthropic

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