OpenAI ChatGPT Launches Trusted Contacts Feature That Might Save People And Stave Off AI Mental Health Lawsuits

InnovationAIOpenAI ChatGPT Launches Trusted Contacts Feature That Might Save People And Stave Off AI Mental Health LawsuitsByLance Eliot,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Dr. Lance B. Eliot is a world-renowned AI scientist and consultant.Follow AuthorMay 14, 2026, 03:15am EDTAI makers are gradually increasing AI safeguards associated with human mental health, including the use of trusted contacts.gettyIn today’s column, I examine the newly announced “trusted contacts” feature that OpenAI has established within ChatGPT. The idea is to allow users of ChatGPT to designate a trusted contact who will be alerted by OpenAI if the user seems to be veering into a mental health woe while conversing with the AI chatbot. This trusted contact would hopefully then reach out to the designated person and aid the user during their time of heightened need. Many of the popular AI makers are gradually providing a similar feature.Doing so is a timely addition to the rising safety capabilities being included in modern-era generative AI and large language models (LLMs). When people carry on AI chats and perilously exhibit potential mental breakdowns or the possibility of self-harm, a prudent action by the AI makers and the AI is to take some overt action accordingly. Not only might trusted contacts’ capabilities aid humans and possibly save lives, but the AI makers that go this route are also potentially reducing their legal exposures and will be in a better position if sued by users claiming AI-related mental harms.Let’s talk about it.This analysis of AI breakthroughs is part of my ongoing Forbes column coverage on the latest in AI, including identifying and explaining various impactful AI complexities (see the link here). AI And Mental Well-BeingAs a quick background, I’ve been extensively covering and analyzing a myriad of facets regarding the advent of modern-era AI that produces mental health advice and performs AI-driven therapy. This...