British Columbia sues OpenAI over Tumbler Ridge shooting

British Columbia has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI in a US federal court, alleging the company failed to notify authorities about concerning interactions on ChatGPT before the Tumbler Ridge mass shooting in February, when 18-year-old Jessie Van Rootselaar killed eight people, including six children.

What does British Columbia allege against OpenAI?

The lawsuit was filed to a US federal court on Monday, according to British Columbia attorney general Niki Sharma. Sharma said the case raised questions about “the responsibilities of technology companies when they become aware of credible threats of serious violence”.

Media reports revealed that Van Rootselaar’s ChatGPT activity was flagged by OpenAI’s safety team for references to gun violence months before the attack, but the company did not alert local authorities. Families of those killed or injured in the Tumbler Ridge shooting have filed separate lawsuits against OpenAI.

What has OpenAI said?

In April, OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman apologised to the families of the victims. “I am deeply sorry that we did not alert law enforcement,” Altman wrote in an open letter. The company has previously apologised for not flagging Van Rootselaar’s account to law enforcement. The BBC said it had requested comment from OpenAI about the latest lawsuit.

Sharma said in a statement: “To date, OpenAI has not taken meaningful steps to address the concerns raised by survivors, families and the Tumbler Ridge community.”

Where was the case filed and where would damages go?

Sharma said the lawsuit was filed in California, as the alleged decision not to report the shooter’s ChatGPT account occurred in that US state. She told reporters that any financial damages won by the province would go towards rebuilding the secondary school.

Have officials read the ChatGPT chats?

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Sharma said she had not read the contents of the OpenAI chats. “We have asked OpenAI to disclose these chats. They have refused. We should all be asking them: Why?” she said, according to CBC. Sharma also said the company still had an opportunity to demonstrate accountability by strengthening safeguards, improving transparency and taking action to help prevent similar tragedies.

Frequently asked questions

Is British Columbia suing OpenAI?

Yes. British Columbia filed a lawsuit against OpenAI in a US federal court on Monday, alleging the company failed to notify authorities about concerning ChatGPT interactions before the Tumbler Ridge mass shooting.

What happened in the Tumbler Ridge shooting?

Eighteen-year-old Jessie Van Rootselaar killed eight people, including six children, in the February attack. OpenAI has apologised for not flagging Van Rootselaar’s account to law enforcement.

Has OpenAI responded to the lawsuit?

OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman apologised to victims’ families in April, writing: “I am deeply sorry that we did not alert law enforcement.” The BBC said it had requested comment from OpenAI about the new lawsuit.

Where would any damages awarded to British Columbia go?

Attorney general Niki Sharma said any financial damages won by the province would go towards rebuilding the secondary school.

With reporting from BBC News.

Stock image, not from the events described. Globe World — Jo%E3o%20Silas / Wikimedia Commons (CC0 1.0)