The Record reported that Texas sued OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman, on Friday under state deceptive trade practices laws. The state alleges OpenAI markets ChatGPT as safe while its safeguards are failing to protect users, including children. The suit seeks to hold Altman personally liable, which The Record called unusual. Attorney General Ken Paxton also alleges OpenAI has long failed to verify identities, in violation of state law.
Texas seeks civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation. It also wants minors barred from ChatGPT, new models approved by a court-appointed expert, and an end to tips on suicide, eating disorders and violence. These are the state's allegations. The Record does not say which law the identity claim rests on or whose identities went unchecked, and it does not tie that claim to minors. OpenAI said it works with experts on safeguards and supports rules for the whole industry.
Analysis, not from the reporting: the suit treats safety marketing as a promise a court can test. An age check means confirming who a user is before access. Expert approval means a review before each release. Buyers may want contracts to say who checks ages and who stands behind safety claims.