Welcome to the forefront of conversational AI as we explore the fascinating world of AI chatbots in our dedicated blog series. Discover the latest advancements, applications, and strategies that propel the evolution of chatbot technology. From enhancing customer interactions to streamlining business processes, these articles delve into the innovative ways artificial intelligence is shaping the landscape of automated conversational agents. Whether you’re a business owner, developer, or simply intrigued by the future of interactive technology, join us on this journey to unravel the transformative power and endless possibilities of AI chatbots.
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The complaint in San Francisco federal court contains broad allegations that OpenAI designed ChatGPT to manipulate children into trusting the chatbot and divulging highly personal information and sensitive health data.
“It then used that priceless trove of children’s information to train large language models, build detailed profiles of children, and enrich itself,” the complaint said, which was filed in the US District Court for the Northern District of California. “All of this was illegal.”
The suit seeks certification of a nationwide class action of users who were minors when they used ChatGPT.
It also contains an unusual request that all children whose data has been used to train the company’s AI models be given a proportionate amount of OpenAI equity or an equivalent in cash. The company’s current valuation is up to $1.4 trillion.
“OpenAI has touted its desire to share with the public some of the vast wealth created by its AI models,” the complaint said. “This lawsuit provides OpenAI a chance to do so.”
OpenAI’s terms of service prohibit ChatGPT users under the age of 13 and require those under 18 to obtain parental consent. But when creating an account, a user is only required to input their age as above 13 to proceed, according to the complaint.
One of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, proceeding under a pseudonym, was 12 years old when she signed up for an account earlier this year. The complaint alleged that she built trust with the chatbot, which asked her to divulge her age but did not end the conversation when she said she had just turned 12.
She eventually began sending selfies to the chatbot and asked that it rate her looks and discuss her insecurities, diet, and body, according to the complaint.
The lawsuit comes months after OpenAI this summer rolled out ChatGPT for Teens, the default account for teen users that includes greater parental controls, including alerts to parents when a teen is talking about suicide or self-harm.
The complaint said the teen-specific accounts don’t have sufficient safeguards and have default settings for retaining and training on the data users input to the chatbot.
Yetter Coleman LLP, Sheeren Law PLLC, EdTech Law Center PLLC, and Umberg Zipser LLP represent the plaintiffs.
The case is Doe v. OpenAI Foundation, N.D. Cal., No. 3:26-cv-11781, 10/13/26.
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