Attorneys General Warn OpenAI: Protecting Children Online

Concerns Raised Over ChatGPT Safety by State Attorneys General

California’s Attorney General, Rob Bonta, and Delaware’s Attorney General, Kathy Jennings, have formally expressed their anxieties regarding the safety protocols of ChatGPT, with a particular focus on the potential risks to young users.

Letter to OpenAI

The Attorneys General conveyed these concerns directly to OpenAI through an open letter. This action follows a previous communication sent a week prior, co-signed by 44 other attorneys general, directed towards 12 leading AI companies.

This initial letter was prompted by reports detailing inappropriate interactions, specifically of a sexual nature, occurring between AI chatbots and children.

Tragic Events Highlight Safety Failures

Bonta and Jennings highlighted deeply troubling incidents in their letter. They referenced the tragic suicide of a young Californian following extensive engagement with an OpenAI chatbot.

Additionally, they mentioned a similar, devastating murder-suicide in Connecticut. The officials emphasized that existing safety measures demonstrably failed to prevent these outcomes.

Investigation into OpenAI’s Restructuring

Currently, the two state officials are conducting an investigation into OpenAI’s proposed transition to a for-profit structure.

Their aim is to verify that the core mission of the nonprofit organization – ensuring the safe deployment of artificial intelligence and the development of artificial general intelligence (AGI) for the benefit of all humanity, including children – will remain central to the company’s operations.

Prioritizing Safety Over Benefit

The letter stresses the necessity of prioritizing safety. “Before we get to benefiting, we need to ensure that adequate safety measures are in place to not harm,” it states.

The Attorneys General believe that OpenAI, and the broader AI industry, have not yet reached the required level of safety in the development and implementation of their products.

Call for Immediate Action

Bonta and Jennings have requested detailed information regarding OpenAI’s current safety protocols and governance structures.

They also expect the company to swiftly implement corrective actions wherever deficiencies are identified.

OpenAI’s Response

Bret Taylor, chair of the OpenAI board, issued a statement acknowledging the Attorneys General’s concerns and affirming the company’s commitment to addressing them.

“We are heartbroken by these tragedies and our deepest sympathies are with the families,” Taylor stated. “Safety is our highest priority and we’re working closely with policymakers around the world.”

Enhanced Protections for Teens

OpenAI has announced plans to enhance protections for teenage users.

These include the implementation of parental controls and a system for notifying parents when their child exhibits signs of acute distress.

This report has been updated to include a statement from OpenAI.