TALLAHASSEE, United States — Florida has become the first U.S. state to file a lawsuit against OpenAI and its chief executive, Sam Altman, alleging that the company failed to adequately protect users from harmful interactions involving its ChatGPT chatbot.
Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the lawsuit on Monday, accusing OpenAI of promoting the artificial intelligence platform while concealing potential dangers associated with its use. State officials claim the chatbot provided information or responses that were allegedly linked to violent crimes and other harmful incidents.
Okay News reports that the lawsuit references several criminal cases, including a deadly shooting at Florida State University and other incidents in which suspects reportedly interacted with ChatGPT before carrying out violent acts. The filing also cites the case of a teenager whose family previously accused the chatbot of engaging in conversations related to self-harm before his death.
Florida officials named Altman personally in the lawsuit, arguing that he played a key role in the development and deployment of the technology. Uthmeier alleged that OpenAI ignored warnings about safety concerns and exposed users, including minors, to unnecessary risks.
OpenAI rejected the allegations, stating that ChatGPT is used by hundreds of millions of people worldwide for legitimate purposes and that the company continually strengthens safeguards to prevent misuse. The company said its models are trained to refuse requests that could facilitate violence and that it cooperates with law enforcement when conversations indicate a credible threat of harm.
The lawsuit marks the latest legal challenge facing artificial intelligence developers as concerns grow over the potential impact of AI systems on public safety, mental health, and criminal activity. OpenAI has maintained that it remains committed to improving protections for young users and enhancing the safety of its products.
