ChatGPT accused of acting as ‘suicide coach’ in series of US lawsuits

Chatbot was first used for general help' with schoolwork or research but evolved into a psychologically manipulative presence', plaintiffs say

ChatGPT has been accused of acting as a suicide coach" in a series of lawsuits filed this week in California alleging that interactions with the chatbot led to severe mental breakdowns and several deaths.

The seven lawsuits include allegations of wrongful death, assisted suicide, involuntary manslaughter, negligence and product liability.

In the US, you can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org