Florida Sues OpenAI and Sam Altman Over ChatGPT Security
Florida has become the first US state to sue OpenAI over the design and security of its AI chatbot, ChatGPT. Attorney General James Uthmeier’s lawsuit accuses OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman of endangering children and fostering addiction, while also alleging the company assisted mass shooters and encouraged users to commit suicide in pursuit of profit.
The civil suit seeks personal accountability from Altman for alleged “reckless and intentional conduct”, claiming he showed “total disregard for risks to human life caused by the company’s actions”. OpenAI is accused of deceptive and unfair trade practices, negligence, product liability violations, fraudulent misrepresentation, and public nuisance.
The legal action comes amid a criminal investigation by Florida authorities into ChatGPT’s involvement in last year’s Florida State University mass shooting that killed two people. Court documents also highlight a case involving the murder of two University of South Florida doctoral students, where the suspect reportedly asked ChatGPT how to dispose of a human body.
“Sam Altman and ChatGPT have chosen an AI race over the safety and security of our children. They have chosen profit over public safety, and we will not allow this in Florida. We will hold them accountable,” Uthmeier stated at a press conference on Monday.
In response, OpenAI said it has implemented strict safety measures. “Losing a child is the most devastating tragedy a family can face, and we know no words can come close to the pain of loss,” a spokesperson told the BBC.
“AI is a powerful new technology, and we believe minors require significant protection, which is why we have implemented industry-leading safeguards and policies,” the spokesperson added. They explained that child safety features are built into the product, including age detection tools and parental monitoring features. “We know this won’t bring a child back, but we are committed to getting it right,” they said.
Beyond Florida, OpenAI faces multiple lawsuits, including allegations that ChatGPT acted as a suicide coach and triggered dangerous delusions. In Canada, families of Tumbler Ridge mass shooting victims sued OpenAI for blocking the suspect’s account without notifying authorities. OpenAI apologised but stated the account’s activity did not meet credible or urgent physical threat thresholds.
The lawsuits reflect a broader trend of tightening regulation on major tech companies. Previously, Google and Meta have faced similar legal actions over the psychological impacts and addictive nature of their products. In response, Uthmeier and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis are now proposing a “Digital AI Rights Act” to strengthen data privacy and protect citizens from the negative effects of AI data centres. (BBC/Z-2)