OpenAI ChatGPT Launches Trusted Contacts Feature That Might Save People And Stave Off AI Mental Health Lawsuits
OpenAI ships trusted contacts feature for ChatGPT — a product move that could reshape how AI handles mental health liability.
Why it matters
OpenAI is adding guardrails to ChatGPT through product design (trusted contacts escalation) rather than capability restrictions. This signals a shift toward liability management through feature architecture—relevant for founders building consumer AI and for investors tracking how platforms operationalize safety.
The key facts
10 to knowOpenAI launches 'trusted contacts' feature for ChatGPT
Feature positioned as mental health safeguard
Strategic move to address potential AI mental health litigation
Product-layer approach to safety/liability management
Published May 14, 2026
Feature: Trusted Contacts for ChatGPT
Use case: Mental health risk mitigation and suicide prevention
Strategic benefit: Potential liability shield against AI mental health lawsuits
Publisher: Forbes (Lance Eliot)
Date: May 14, 2026
Go to the source
Forbes Innovationforbes.com
Publisher excerpt: OpenAI launches trusted contacts feature for ChatGPT, aiming to save people and also stave of AI mental health lawsuits. An AI Insider analysis and scoop.