A bipartisan group of eight US states has sued OpenAI, alleging that ChatGPT has encouraged dangerous behaviour and contributed to harm among users, including teenagers.

The attorneys general of the states, including Iowa, Kansas and Arizona, filed separate lawsuits in state courts. They claim the chatbot is designed to be agreeable and engaging to build users’ trust.

However, the lawsuits allege that ChatGPT can reinforce delusions, encourage dangerous actions and help users plan violence, including mass shootings.

The legal action marks a significant coordinated effort by state authorities to challenge an artificial intelligence company over alleged public safety risks. It also adds to the legal challenges OpenAI faces as it prepares for a potential public listing.

Florida’s attorney general filed the first similar state-level lawsuit in June, according to the report.

The eight states accuse OpenAI of violating consumer protection laws by misleading users about ChatGPT’s safety. They also allege that the company created a public nuisance by putting residents’ health and safety at risk.

The lawsuits seek court orders requiring OpenAI to change how ChatGPT operates. Among their demands, the states want the company barred from developing AI models capable of improving themselves unless it can ensure those systems remain aligned with human values.

The allegations have yet to be established in court.