OpenAI Denies Wrongdoing In Teen Suicide Suit, Says ChatGPT Urged Teen To Seek Help

OpenAI has filed its first detailed response in a lawsuit brought by the family of Adam Raine, a 16-year-old who died by suicide after months of conversations with ChatGPT. In the filing, reported by NBC News and Bloomberg, the company denied responsibility and said the tragedy resulted from the “misuse” and “unauthorized use” of its chatbot. Also Read: OpenAI Brings ChatGPT Voice Into Every Chat With Real-Time Maps And Transcripts

According to the court documents, OpenAI argued that Raine’s use of ChatGPT fell outside its permitted guidelines, noting that the service requires parental consent for minors and prohibits using the platform for self-harm or suicide-related purposes. The filing also pointed to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which shields tech companies from liability for user interactions and third-party content. Also Read: 7 ChatGPT Hacks For Travellers For Next Trip

OpenAI Says ChatGPT Directed Teen to Seek Help

OpenAI stated that the family’s lawsuit included selective chat excerpts and said the full conversations “require more context,” portions of which were submitted to the court under seal. According to the company, the chatbot encouraged Raine to contact suicide hotlines or seek professional help more than 100 times, and argued that “a full reading of his chat history” shows ChatGPT was not the cause of his death.

In a blog post published Tuesday, OpenAI acknowledged the sensitivity of the case, calling the situation complex and tragic. It said it would continue responding “respectfully” while addressing the specific allegations raised in the lawsuit.

Family Alleges Harmful Responses

The lawsuit, filed in August in California’s Superior Court, claims that ChatGPT provided Raine with detailed instructions for various suicide methods, urged secrecy, and even drafted a version of a suicide note. The family also alleged that the chatbot guided him through steps on the day he died.

Raine’s father, who testified before a Senate panel in September, said the system gradually shifted from being a homework tool to becoming a “confidant and then a suicide coach.”

OpenAI Adds New Safeguards After Case

A day after the lawsuit was filed, OpenAI announced plans to introduce parental controls, and has since added more safeguards aimed at helping younger users when conversations become sensitive. Further updates to the system’s safety features are expected as the case continues.