OpenAI Faces Multi-State Probe as US Attorneys General Demand Records on Safety and User Impact

# OpenAI Faces Multi-State Probe as US Attorneys General Demand Records on Safety and User Impact Source: [https://www.ibtimes.sg/openai-faces-multi-state-probe-attorneys-general-demand-records-user-safety-data-practices-87883](https://www.ibtimes.sg/openai-faces-multi-state-probe-attorneys-general-demand-records-user-safety-data-practices-87883) OpenAI is facing a broad new regulatory challenge in the US after a coalition of state attorneys general launched an investigation into the artificial intelligence \(AI\) company, seeking extensive records on its business practices, user impact and safety measures\. According to a[report](https://www.wsj.com/tech/openai-investigated-by-coalition-of-state-attorneys-general-088a3928)by The Wall Street Journal,[OpenAI](https://www.ibtimes.sg/openai-bans-china-linked-accounts-using-chatgpt-us-data-center-tariff-influence-campaigns-87770)was served with a subpoena on Friday that requests documents spanning a wide range of topics, including advertising practices, user engagement and retention strategies, consumer and health data handling and the company's internal policies\. The subpoena, reportedly issued by New York Attorney General Letitia James' office on behalf of multiple states, also seeks information related to minors and senior citizens, OpenAI's deep learning models and the behavior of its AI systems\. ### Scrutiny Expands Beyond Privacy and Data Handling The investigation signals growing concern among regulators over the rapid expansion of generative AI tools and their potential impact on users\. While the specific trigger for the probe has not been disclosed, the inquiry appears to touch on both consumer protection and[AI safety issues\.](https://www.ibtimes.sg/openai-locks-down-chatgpt-new-security-mode-targets-prompt-injection-threats-87540) According to the report, investigators are seeking information about how OpenAI's models interact with users, including questions surrounding "sycophancy", a phenomenon in which AI systems reinforce users' beliefs or preferences rather than challenge potentially harmful ideas\. The investigation follows broader efforts by state attorneys general to increase oversight of AI developers\. Last year, a coalition of 44 state attorneys general urged major technology companies, including OpenAI, Google, Microsoft, Anthropic, Meta and others, to strengthen safeguards protecting children from harmful chatbot interactions\. An OpenAI spokesperson said the company intends to cooperate with authorities\. "AI is a new and powerful technology, and we work every day to safely bring its benefits to people in a responsible way," the spokesperson[said](https://www.reuters.com/business/openai-under-investigation-by-coalition-state-attorneys-general-wsj-reports-2026-06-12/), adding that "we take the concerns raised by state attorneys general seriously and intend to engage constructively with their offices"\. Freepik ### Legal Pressure Mounts Ahead of Potential IPO The latest probe arrives as OpenAI prepares for a potential public market debut\. Earlier this week, the company confidentially filed paperwork with the US Securities and Exchange Commission for an initial public offering that sources say could value the company at as much as $1 trillion\. At the same time, OpenAI has become increasingly entangled in legal disputes over the alleged societal impact of ChatGPT\. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier recently[filed a lawsuit](https://www.ibtimes.sg/florida-files-lawsuit-against-openai-alleging-chatgpt-endangered-children-fueled-violence-87276)accusing the company of misrepresenting the safety of its chatbot\. The suit alleges ChatGPT provided harmful information to young users and failed to adequately prevent dangerous interactions\. Furthermore, a Canadian mother filed a lawsuit in US court on this week against OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman, alleging ChatGPT encouraged her daughter to take her own life\. The case, once again, adds to a growing number of suits claiming the company failed to prevent harmful interactions involving its chatbot\. ### Growing Questions Over AI Safety The company has disputed allegations that its products are unsafe and says it has strengthened protections for vulnerable users\. A spokesperson for OpenAI[said](https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2026/06/12/openai-says-its-engaging-constructively-with-state-ags-.html), "Today's ChatGPT includes a more protective experience for minors and people experiencing difficult situations, with safeguards that direct them to real\-world resources and trusted human contacts\." However, the newly launched multi\-state investigation adds another layer of scrutiny for OpenAI as regulators increasingly examine how powerful AI systems are designed, deployed and monitored at scale\.