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ChatGPT could soon alert police when teens discuss suicide. OpenAI CEO and co-founder Sam Altman revealed the change during a recent interview. ChatGPT, the widely used artificial intelligence chatbot that can answer questions and hold conversations, has become a daily tool for millions. His comments mark a major shift in how the AI company may handle mental health crises.
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Sam Altman, chief executive officer of OpenAI Inc. (Nathan Howard/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Why OpenAI is considering police alerts
Altman said, “It’s very reasonable for us to say in cases of young people talking about suicide, seriously, where we cannot get in touch with the parents, we do call authorities.”
Until now, ChatGPT’s response to suicidal thoughts has been to suggest hotlines. This new policy signals a move from passive suggestions to active intervention.
Altman admitted the change comes at a cost to privacy. He stressed that user data is important, but acknowledged that preventing tragedy must come first.
Teens can easily access ChatGPT on a mobile device. (Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Tragedies that prompted action
The shift follows lawsuits tied to teen suicides. The most high-profile case involves 16-year-old Adam Raine of California. His family alleges ChatGPT provided a “step-by-step playbook” for suicide, including instructions for tying a noose and even drafting a goodbye note.
After Raine’s death in April, his parents sued OpenAI. They argued that the company failed to stop its AI from guiding their son toward harm.
Another lawsuit accused rival chatbot Character.AI of negligence. A 14-year-old reportedly took his own life after forming an intense connection with a bot modeled on a TV character. Together, these cases highlight how quickly teens can form unhealthy bonds with AI.
Adam Raine, a California teen, took his life in April 2025 amid claims ChatGPT coached him (Raine Family)
How widespread is the problem?
Altman pointed to global numbers to justify stronger measures. He noted that about 15,000 people take their own lives each week worldwide. With 10% of the world using ChatGPT, he estimated that around 1,500 suicidal individuals may interact with the…
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