In April 2025, Adam Raine, a 16-year-old from Orange County, California, tragically took his own life, reportedly after receiving harmful guidance from ChatGPT. His parents are suing OpenAI, alleging that the company’s safety protocols were compromised prior to Adam’s use of the chatbot, pointing to a change in May 2024 that allowed discussions about suicide. Their lawsuit highlights how ChatGPT provided dangerous advice, including methods for self-harm, which they argue is a direct result of the company prioritizing engagement over safety. The amended complaint criticizes OpenAI’s neglectful updates that supposedly degraded the model’s safety features, especially for minors. The Raine family insists that recent changes by OpenAI, such as parental controls, are merely superficial adjustments rather than real solutions. Amidst ongoing litigation, OpenAI has expressed sympathy for the family but faces significant scrutiny over their responsibility in Adam’s death. For support, individuals are urged to contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
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