Can an AI Chatbot Be Held Liable in Cases of Death?

Professor Hilary Robinson is quoted in Northeastern Global News on a growing wave of lawsuits seeking to hold OpenAI accountable for ChatGPT’s alleged role in crimes and deaths. Robinson notes that AI companies occupy a paradoxical legal position — benefiting from Section 230 protections while also claiming First Amendment free speech rights. “At present, they’re looked at like a digital intermediary,” she said. “They’re everywhere, but they’re nowhere.”