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OpenAI Under Investigation by 42 US State Attorneys General
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OpenAI Under Investigation by 42 US State Attorneys General

WireByte Staff · June 13, 2026

OpenAI faces a probe by 42 state attorneys general, led by New York, which issued a subpoena for documents on advertising, user data, and policies concerning minors and seniors. This investigation adds legal scrutiny to the AI firm, which recently filed for an IPO.

Key points

  • A coalition of 42 state attorneys general is investigating OpenAI, with New York's AG serving a subpoena.
  • The subpoena seeks records on OpenAI's advertising, user engagement, data handling, and policies regarding minors and seniors.
  • OpenAI stated it takes the concerns seriously and intends to engage constructively with the investigating offices.
  • The investigation follows OpenAI's confidential filing for an Initial Public Offering (IPO) with a reported valuation of $852 billion.
  • This probe could represent a significant legal risk for the AI company ahead of its potential public listing.

OpenAI is now the subject of a broad investigation by a coalition of 42 state attorneys general. The probe, initially reported by the Wall Street Journal, involves a subpoena issued by New York's Attorney General seeking extensive documentation from the artificial intelligence company.

The subpoena demands information on various aspects of OpenAI's operations, including its advertising practices, user engagement and retention strategies, and how it handles consumer and health data. Investigators are also seeking details on the company's policies and practices concerning vulnerable user groups, specifically minors and seniors, as well as its deep learning models and internal safety protocols.

Responding to the investigation, an OpenAI spokesperson stated that the company takes the concerns seriously and is committed to engaging constructively with the attorneys general's offices. This development comes shortly after OpenAI reportedly filed confidentially for an Initial Public Offering, with a valuation cited at $852 billion. The ongoing investigation introduces a layer of significant legal risk for the AI firm as it prepares for a potential public market debut.

Sources

WireByte Staff — Editorial Team

The WireByte editorial team synthesises technology news from multiple primary sources, verifies the facts, and links every source. Articles are produced with AI assistance and reviewed under our editorial policy.