TechnologyJune 14, 2026

States Open a Legal Probe into OpenAI

Key Vocabulary

subpoena/səˈpiː.nə/
a legal order to provide documents or testimony
"The company was served with a subpoena last week."
engagement/ɪnˈɡeɪdʒ.mənt/
how users interact with a product or service
"User engagement rose after the update."
retention/rɪˈtɛn.ʃən/
the ability to keep users over time
"Retention improved after adding tutorials."
safeguards/ˈseɪf.ɡɑːrdz/
measures to protect people from harm
"The app added safeguards for young users."

Listening

States Open a Legal Probe into OpenAI

A coalition of U.S. state attorneys general has opened a sweeping investigation into OpenAI. The probe was reported on June 12, 2026, when the company was served with a broad subpoena. The subpoena was sent by New York’s attorney general and it requested documents on advertising, user engagement and retention, and the handling of consumer and health data.

The inquiry also sought materials about activities that involve minors and older adults, the design and behavior of deep learning models, and internal company policies. OpenAI said it will respond constructively and noted that it uses safeguards for minors and provides links to real-world help for people in crisis. While the company is preparing to offer stock to the public, state officials are examining whether its products created risks for users.

Florida had filed a separate civil suit on June 1, 2026 that accused OpenAI of harming children. The new multistate probe adds another legal review that the company must document for regulators and investors. Legal teams will review the materials.

169 words

Quiz

1. Who sent the subpoena?
2. When was the probe reported?
3. What did the subpoena request documents on?

Reading Practice

Read the article from the Listening section aloud. Your AI teacher will give you pronunciation feedback.

Discussion

1

Do you worry about how companies use your health data? Why or why not?

2

Have you ever changed privacy settings because of news about data use?

3

What do you think parents should do when a child uses online AI tools?

4

Would you feel different using a product with clear safety rules? How?

このコンテンツは英語学習を目的としたものであり、事実の正確性を保証するものではありません。