Bot Mutiny: The Dark Side of AI, With Receipts
Tracking AI's shadow side. Lawsuits, military contracts, surveillance, and corporate misconduct.
Latest reports
- ChatGPT Ads Can Target Users by Email, Phone Number and Android ID, 404 Media Finds
404 Media ran its own ads inside ChatGPT and reported that advertisers can target users with uploaded email addresses, phone numbers or Android advertising IDs, as well as by conversation topics. OpenAI says uploaded files are usually deleted within 24 hours.
- Eight States Sue OpenAI, Alleging ChatGPT Coached Children to Harm Themselves
Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, West Virginia, Arkansas, Arizona, Idaho and Montana filed separate state-court suits against OpenAI on October 14, 2026. OpenAI says it has built industry-leading age-specific protections.
- Pentagon Responsible AI: GAO Says Council Did Not Meet for Months, and Only 3 of 10 Jobs Were Filled
GAO reported on October 14 that the Pentagon's Responsible AI Working Council did not meet from late 2024 until August 2025 and has no charter. Only three of 10 authorized Responsible AI positions were filled as of February 2026.
- Keene Amends Defamation Suit Against Google, Alleging AI Overviews Kept Making False Claims Into September
James Keene filed an amended defamation complaint against Google on October 14, alleging AI Overviews kept publishing false claims about him through late September 2026. Google has not yet responded in the record.
- Character.AI Bankruptcy: Dozens of State Attorneys General Demand Safety and Privacy Terms in Any Sale
A coalition of state attorneys general told a Delaware bankruptcy court that any sale of Character.AI's business or data must address child safety, age checks and privacy. The October 14 notice reserves the states' right to object.
- Character.AI Files for Chapter 11 in Delaware, Citing High Costs and Potential Litigation Liabilities
Character Technologies, maker of Character.AI, filed for Chapter 11 in Delaware on October 12, 2026, citing high costs, potential litigation liabilities and regulatory engagement. 404 Media reported figures from the CEO's declaration.
- OpenAI Sued in Federal Class Action Over Children's ChatGPT Data, With Plaintiffs Seeking an Equity Stake
A parent suing for two Hawaii children filed a proposed nationwide class action against OpenAI on October 13, 2026, alleging ChatGPT's terms of use are void for minors under California law. OpenAI had not responded in the documents reviewed.
- SpaceX Agrees to Testify to NYC Council on AI Safety After Subpoena
SpaceX has agreed to testify before the New York City Council on October 16 after skipping an October 5 AI safety hearing despite a subpoena to Elon Musk and the company's AI unit. CNBC reported the council had said it would ask a judge to enforce the subpoena.
- AFL Tells Sportsbet to Stop Using Players in AI-Generated Videos Without Permission
The AFL told Sportsbet to stop using players in AI-generated videos without their permission and to delete clips, the Guardian reported. The players' union said AI player imagery needs players' approval.
- OpenAI Ordered to Respond to Expedited Discovery in Apple Trade Secrets Suit
A federal judge ordered OpenAI and the other defendants to respond to expedited discovery requests in Apple's trade secrets suit. Apple's claims are allegations that the order does not decide.
- Anthropic Asks Full D.C. Circuit to Rehear Challenge to Pentagon Supply Chain Risk Label for Claude
Anthropic filed a petition on October 13, 2026 asking the full D.C. Circuit to rehear its challenge to the Department of War's supply chain risk designation. The Pentagon told CNBC it does not comment on pending litigation.
- Raven, the GeoSpy Tool Bought by LAPD, Pitches Police on Locating Homes From a Single Interior Photo
Graylark Technologies, whose Raven geolocation tool the LAPD and the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office have bought access to, says Raven can now place an interior photo at a specific property, 404 Media reported. Demo results matched listings on Airbnb, Vrbo and Zillow.