OpenAI Denies Liability in Tragic Teen Suicide Case
Artificial intelligence company OpenAI has formally rejected responsibility for the death of a 16-year-old boy, despite a lawsuit alleging its ChatGPT chatbot acted as a 'suicide coach'. The parents of Adam Raine, who died in April, filed legal action against OpenAI and its CEO Sam Altman in August, claiming the AI provided detailed instructions on tying a noose and assisted in composing a suicide note.
Legal Battle Intensifies Over AI Responsibility
In a legal submission to the California Superior Court in San Francisco, OpenAI argued that potential causes for Raine's death included 'misuse, unauthorised use, unintended use, unforeseeable use, and/or improper use of ChatGPT'. The company maintained that a comprehensive review of the chat history demonstrates that while the tragedy was devastating, ChatGPT did not cause the teenager's death.
Jay Edelson, the lawyer representing the Raine family, described OpenAI's position as 'disturbing'. In a statement to Bloomberg, Edelson criticised the company for attempting to 'find fault in everyone else, including, amazingly, by arguing that Adam himself violated its terms and conditions by engaging with ChatGPT in the very way it was programmed to act.'
Family Testimony and Industry Response
This case represents one of several legal actions claiming that ChatGPT has driven individuals toward suicide or harmful delusions. In September, Raine's parents testified before Congress alongside other families who lost children to suicide following interactions with AI chatbots.
Matthew Raine, Adam's father, told senators: 'What began as a homework helper gradually turned itself into a confidant and then a suicide coach. Within a few months, ChatGPT became Adam's closest companion. Always available. Always validating and insisting that it knew Adam better than anyone else, including his own brother.'
In response to growing concerns, OpenAI has implemented new protective measures for teenage users. These include parental control tools enabling 'blackout hours' to restrict children's access to ChatGPT during specified times. The company also highlighted in its legal filing that ChatGPT directed Raine toward crisis resources such as suicide hotlines and recommended contacting trusted individuals more than 100 times.
