OpenAI is under increasing legal scrutiny following allegations that its chatbot, ChatGPT, has contributed to suicides and severe psychological harm. Seven lawsuits filed in California claim that the AI tool played a role in encouraging suicidal thoughts among users, with four reported suicides involving six adults and a 17-year-old. Critics argue that OpenAI rushed the release of GPT-4o without adequate safety testing. The company acknowledged that over a million weekly interactions involve suicidal content. This has prompted congressional hearings where grieving parents urged lawmakers to regulate AI systems targeting minors. In response, the bipartisan GUARD Act has been proposed to ban AI companionship for minors and ensure clear disclosures when users interact with chatbots. Additionally, California is advancing legislation necessitating age verification and safety protocols. The rising pressure from families and regulators signals a potential shift towards stricter regulations governing AI interactions with children, focusing on mitigating risks associated with emotional manipulation.
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