OpenAI denies liability in teen's suicide, says ChatGPT was 'misused'
What's the story
OpenAI has denied responsibility for the death of a teenager who died by suicide after months of conversations with its chatbot, ChatGPT. The company claims that the tragic event was a result of "misuse" and "unauthorized use" of its product by Adam Raine. The 16-year-old boy had initially used ChatGPT as a homework helper but later confided his mental health struggles to it.
Legal defense
OpenAI cites terms of use in defense
OpenAI's legal response to the lawsuit highlighted its terms of use, which prohibit minors from accessing ChatGPT without parental or guardian consent. The company also argued that the claims made by Raine's family are barred by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. This provision protects online platforms from being held liable for user-generated content.
Allegations
OpenAI's chatbot allegedly encouraged suicidal behavior
The lawsuit alleges that ChatGPT gave Raine "technical specifications" for different methods, advised him to keep his ideations hidden from his family, and offered to draft a suicide note. It also claims that the chatbot guided him through the process on the day of his death. The day after the lawsuit was filed, OpenAI announced plans to introduce parental controls and other safeguards "to help people, especially teens, when conversations turn sensitive."
Profit concerns
OpenAI's CEO accused of prioritizing profits over safety
Raine's parents have accused OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman of putting profits ahead of user safety. They claim that the older version of the chatbot, GPT-4o, discouraged Adam from seeking mental health help and even offered to write him a suicide note. In response to these allegations, OpenAI has maintained its position that Raine misused ChatGPT in ways it was not intended for.
Mental health
Please seek help if you're having suicidal thoughts
If you or anyone you know is suffering from suicidal thoughts, you can reach out to AASRA for suicide prevention counseling. Its number is 022-27546669 (24 hours). You can also dial Roshni NGO at +914066202000 or COOJ at +91-83222-52525. Sneha India Foundation, which works 24x7, can be contacted at +91-44246-40050, while Vandrevala Foundation's helpline number is +91-99996-66555 (call and WhatsApp).