Microsoft Sued for Alleged Torts Arising From CoPilot Output

In a pro se action, plaintiff “filed a Complaint against Microsoft Corporation (Microsoft), asserting numerous tort claims and alleging that Microsoft’s ‘artificial intelligence system known as Microsoft Copilot’ falsely describes Haugland as ‘a criminal involved in fraud, financial misconduct, violent activity, and drug-related offenses.’”  Haugland v. Microsoft Corp., 2026 WL 1209532 (D. Ha. May 1, 2026).

The only issue before the court was whether to permit plaintiff to proceed without prepayment of fees.

The Court subjects each civil action commenced pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1915(a) to mandatory screening and can order the dismissal of any claims it finds “frivolous, malicious, failing to state a claim upon which relief may be granted, or seeking monetary relief from a defendant immune from such relief.” 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(2)(B). At this initial stage of the proceedings, without any responsive pleading from Microsoft, and while acknowledging that there may be defenses, affirmative or otherwise, to the claims alleged in the Complaint, the Court finds service of the same to be appropriate.

The case will proceed with service of process.