A wave of lawsuits alleging AI chatbots inspired violent acts is shifting the fight over AI safety into the courts.

Why it matters: The growing docket of lawsuits over AI safety could increase pressure on Congress to pass federal safety standards before states pass their own laws or judges set de facto standards through rulings.

The latest: A father filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Google last week, alleging the company’s Gemini chatbot encouraged his son to plan a mass-casualty attack and later take his own life.

State of play: Claims that AI tools can reinforce delusions or push vulnerable users toward suicide are among the rare tech flashpoints that spark bipartisan alarm on Capitol Hill.

• Even without new legislation, court rulings could force tech companies to tighten safeguards.