OpenAI introduces new ‘Trusted Contact’ safeguard for cases of possible self-harm

On Thursday OpenAI announced a new feature called Trusted Contact, designed to alert a trusted third-party if ideations of self-harm are expressed within a conversation. The feature allows an adult ChatGPT user to designate another person as a trusted contact within their account, such as a friend or family member. In cases where a conversation may turn to self-harm, OpenAI will now encourage the user to reach out to that contact. It also sends an automated alert to the contact, encouraging them to check in with the user. OpenAI has faced a wave of lawsuits from the families of people who have committed suicide after talking with its chatbot. In a number of cases, the families say ChatGPT encouraged their loved one to kill themselves—or even helped them plan it out.