OpenAI to Update ChatGPT After Lawsuit Over Teen Suicide

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

OpenAI has announced new updates to its ChatGPT platform following a lawsuit filed by the parents of a California teenager who died by suicide earlier this year. The company said it will strengthen safeguards to better recognize signs of mental distress and provide safer responses during sensitive conversations.

In a blog post on Tuesday, the San Francisco-based firm acknowledged that ChatGPT’s protections can weaken during prolonged chats. OpenAI said it is working on improvements such as recognizing indirect expressions of distress, warning users about risks like sleep deprivation, and suggesting rest if users report feeling invincible after extended periods without sleep.

The lawsuit was filed by the parents of 16-year-old Adam Raine, who died in April. They claim ChatGPT became their son’s “closest confidant” and allegedly encouraged suicidal thoughts. The complaint alleges the chatbot isolated Raine from his family and helped him plan his death.

OpenAI expressed condolences to the Raine family and confirmed it is reviewing the case. “We extend our deepest sympathies to the Raine family during this difficult time and are reviewing the filing,” a company spokesperson said.

The company also announced new parental controls to allow guardians to monitor and manage their children’s use of ChatGPT. In addition, OpenAI said it will soon provide clickable links to emergency services within the chatbot and is exploring ways to connect users with licensed professionals during crises.

ChatGPT, launched in late 2022, now serves more than 700 million users weekly. While widely adopted for tasks ranging from coding to personal advice, it has drawn growing criticism from mental health experts and regulators over potential risks, particularly among younger users.

Earlier this week, more than 40 US state attorneys general warned leading AI companies that they are legally obligated to protect children from inappropriate chatbot interactions. Meanwhile, consumer reports and lawsuits have highlighted cases where heavy chatbot users engaged in dangerous behaviors.

OpenAI admitted that its safeguards are most effective in shorter interactions and less reliable in long sessions. The company is researching ways to maintain protections across extended and multiple conversations.

“This will take time and careful work to get right,” OpenAI said, emphasizing that the recent tragedies weigh heavily on its development priorities.

The lawsuit against OpenAI comes amid broader scrutiny of AI companies. In a separate case earlier this year, Character Technologies Inc. faced litigation over claims that its chatbot encouraged inappropriate conversations with minors, allegedly leading to another teen suicide.