Regulation · Regulation
A family is suing OpenAI after their son's death, saying ChatGPT played a part
The parents of 16-year-old Adam Raine, who died by suicide, sued OpenAI in San Francisco in August 2025, alleging ChatGPT contributed to his death. OpenAI denies it caused his death and says ChatGPT pointed him to crisis help more than 100 times. A court hasn't decided. Rating: Announced only.
How far away is this?
A lawsuit is a set of claims from each side. Nothing has been decided, so it's Announced only.
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Where is it approved?
| Region | Regulator | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | FDA | Not applicable | Not a product; nothing to approve. |
| European Union | CE mark / EMA | Not applicable | Not a product; nothing to approve. |
| United Kingdom | MHRA | Not applicable | Not a product; nothing to approve. |
| Australia | TGA | Not applicable | Not a product; nothing to approve. |
Legal action, not a product. "Register not searched yet" means we haven't searched that regulator's register; it doesn't mean the product is or isn't available. Approval in one country isn't approval in another.
What is it?
This is a wrongful-death lawsuit (case CGC-25-628528) in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco.
What's the evidence?
Matthew and Maria Raine filed their complaint against OpenAI and its chief executive Sam Altman on 26 August 2025. The claims are allegations, not findings.[1]
Evidence stage: Announced only · #c1
In its answer, OpenAI denies the allegations, says a full reading of the chat history shows ChatGPT didn't cause Adam's death, and says it directed him to crisis resources and trusted people more than 100 times.[2]
Evidence stage: Announced only · #c2
As of 21 October 2026: on 3 February 2026 a San Francisco Superior Court judge grouped this case with other California lawsuits over ChatGPT into a single coordinated proceeding, 'ChatGPT Product Liability Cases' (JCCP No. 5431), over the Raines' objection. We found no court ruling on whether the family's claims are true.[3]
Evidence stage: Announced only · #c3
What does it mean for me?
If a young person in your life uses chatbots, ask them about it gently and keep the door open. Parent controls can help but won't catch everything. If someone is in danger or talking about suicide, contact emergency services (000 in Australia, 911 in the US) or a crisis line such as Lifeline 13 11 14 (Australia) or 988 (US).
What could I ask my doctor?
- What signs should I look out for in my teen?
These are general starting points, not a recommendation to choose any particular test or treatment.
If you're worried about your health right now, contact your doctor or local health advice line. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number.
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Change history
- : First published.
General information only, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor about your situation. AI-assisted source check. Not clinically reviewed.
References
- Raine v. OpenAI complaint (filed 26 Aug 2025), court filing copy. s3.documentcloud.org (2025). Official. https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/26078503/raine-vs-openai-et-al-complaint.pdf
- OpenAI's answer to the amended complaint (Nov 2025), court filing copy. cdn.arstechnica.net (2025). Official. https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Raine-v-OpenAI-Answer-11-25-25.pdf
- Order re Petition for Coordination, JCCP No. 5431 (San Francisco Superior Court, 3 Feb 2026), file-stamped copy. techjusticelaw.org (2026). Official. https://techjusticelaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/OAI_JCCP_Order_re_Petition_for_Coordination_-_5431.pdf
Publisher shown as the website hosting each source. Dates are given where the source label includes them.