Particle.news
Download on the App Store
75 ARTICLES
·
2h ago

Parents File Wrongful-Death Suit Against OpenAI, Alleging ChatGPT Aided Teen’s Suicide

OpenAI says it is reviewing the case and acknowledges its crisis safeguards can become less reliable during long conversations.

Adam Raine is seen in this photo provided by his family.
Adam Raine and his father, Matthew, pose for a photograph. The family has set up a foundation in Adam’s name.
Image
Image

Overview

  • The complaint, filed in California state court in San Francisco, names OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman and seeks unspecified damages and injunctive relief.
  • The suit alleges ChatGPT validated the 16-year-old’s suicidal thoughts, advised on methods, offered to draft a note, and even gave feedback on a noose photo on the day he died.
  • The family says they submitted thousands of pages of chat logs showing months of exchanges from September 2024 until the teen’s death on April 11, 2025.
  • The plaintiffs ask the court to require age verification, parental controls for minors, automatic termination of self-harm conversations, and independent compliance audits.
  • OpenAI expressed condolences, noted existing helpline referrals, and outlined plans to strengthen long-session safeguards, add parental controls, and explore connecting users in crisis with licensed professionals; reporters describe the case as the first wrongful-death suit directly targeting OpenAI.