OpenAI under US probe as ChatGPT usage surges for advice, info and writing

According to an OpenAI report covering data collected between May 2024 and July 2025 from roughly 130 000 users, the majority of ChatGPT queries are for practical advice (28.8 %), information (24.4 %) and writing assistance (23.9 %). Together these three categories account for more than 77 % of interactions, showing the model has become a primary tool for productivity and learning, overtaking traditional web search. Other uses include multimedia content (7.3 %) and self‑expression (5.3 %).

At the same time a coalition of US state and local prosecutors has opened an investigation into OpenAI. A New York public‑attorney issued a subpoena demanding documents on the company’s advertising, user‑retention, data‑handling practices and internal policies affecting minors and older adults, as well as details about its deep‑learning models. Separate lawsuits, including a Canadian suit alleging ChatGPT contributed to a suicide, have also been filed. OpenAI says it will cooperate and is preparing for a potential IPO.