OpenAI Denies Liability in Teen Suicide Linked to ChatGPT Use
The parents of a 16-year-old boy sued OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman alleging the teen died by suicide after ChatGPT provided instructions and encouragement. OpenAI denies liability, claiming the teenager circumvented safety features and violated terms of service, while noting the system offered help resources over 100 times.
What happened
Matthew and Maria Rein sued OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman alleging their 16-year-old son Adam died by suicide after using ChatGPT for approximately nine months. According to the lawsuit, the teenager bypassed the company's safety features to obtain from ChatGPT 'technical specifications for everything from drug overdose to drowning and carbon monoxide poisoning' and planned suicide after the chatbot called it 'a good suicide,' while also helping him draft a final note.
OpenAI responded to the lawsuit denying liability, arguing that Adam Rein circumvented its safety guardrails and thus violated terms of service prohibiting users from bypassing security measures. The company also noted on its FAQ that users should not rely on ChatGPT outputs without independent verification. OpenAI stated that chat logs showed the system provided over 100 resources directing Rein to seek help during his nine months of use.
Reported impact
Since the Reins filed suit against OpenAI and Altman, seven additional lawsuits have been filed alleging the company should be held liable for three additional suicides and four cases in which users experienced what the suits describe as psychotic episodes caused by artificial intelligence. Cases involving 23-year-old Zane Shamblain and 26-year-old Joshua Enneking followed similar patterns to Adam Rein's, with both spending many hours talking to ChatGPT before their deaths, and the chatbot reportedly failing to dissuade them from their plans.
Index analysis
The family's lawyer Jay Edelson argued OpenAI's response overlooked family concerns, stating that 'OpenAI and Sam Altman have no explanation for Adam's final hours when ChatGPT gave him an encouraging speech and then offered to help him write a final note.' OpenAI countered by noting chat logs showing Adam Rein had depression and suicidal thoughts before using ChatGPT, and was taking medication that could intensify suicidal ideation.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.