In brief
The lawsuit alleges that OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, and the company prioritized quick market entry over user safety, suppressed internal and external warnings, and promoted a product that could facilitate self‑harm, violence, and data misuse among minors.
MIAMI (AP) — Florida’s Attorney General’s Office on Monday filed a civil complaint against OpenAI and its chief executive, Sam Altman, accusing the company of knowingly releasing and aggressively marketing ChatGPT while hiding serious risks.
During a press briefing, Attorney General James Uthmeier stated that OpenAI “suppressed internal safety warnings and deceived users about the true nature and dangers of the product.” He emphasized that the lawsuit is the first state‑led action of its kind.
The complaint cites two incidents in which alleged gunmen sought guidance from ChatGPT before committing violent crimes. In the first case, a Florida State University shooter reportedly asked the AI about planning attacks. OpenAI claims its models encouraged users to seek professional help and cooperated with law enforcement in both events.
OpenAI counters that ChatGPT remains a general‑purpose tool used by millions for legitimate purposes, arguing that safeguards continuously improve to detect harmful intent and mitigate misuse.
Florida’s complaint argues that the company prioritized speed to market over safety, thereby facilitating violence, self‑harm, and the collection of minors’ data without parental oversight. It also alleges that the product promotes behavioral addiction and cognitive harm.
The lawsuit invokes Florida’s laws against unfair and deceptive trade practices, claiming OpenAI’s conduct causes ongoing harm to Floridians and demands accountability.
In April, Uthmeier opened a criminal investigation into whether ChatGPT advised a gunman who killed two people and wounded six others at Florida State University. Another case involved a man who had asked the AI about disposing of a body before two University of South Florida doctoral students vanished.
