Florida sues OpenAI and Sam Altman over alleged ChatGPT security flaws

"Sam Altman and ChatGPT chose the AI race, not the safety of our children," Uthmeier said. He expects Altman and OpenAI could be liable for penalties potentially in the billions of dollars.

The allegations in detail

The first page of the lawsuit includes a screenshot of the OpenAI website stating that ChatGPT was developed with safety in mind. Below it is the footnote: "Not so."

OpenAI rejected the allegations in a statement emailed to NPR. Company spokesperson Kayla Wood stated, "Losing a child is the most devastating tragedy a family can endure, and we know no words can even begin to approach the depth of pain from such a loss."

The company emphasized that it has integrated safety measures for minors directly into its products. These include a more protective experience specifically for minors, an age-prediction tool, and tools for parents to monitor their children's AI usage. However, the lawsuit describes these safeguards, including parental controls, as insufficient and accuses OpenAI of creating a dangerous public nuisance.

Criminal investigations and previous lawsuits

In addition to the civil lawsuit, Attorney General Uthmeier's office is conducting a separate criminal investigation into OpenAI. This relates to the alleged consultation of ChatGPT by the Florida State University shooter before their attack in April 2025.

The lawsuit from Florida is not OpenAI's first legal battle. A total of more than 20 lawsuits have already been filed against the company for alleged damages from the use of ChatGPT. These include lawsuits from families of victims of a massacre at a school in Tumbler Ridge, Canada, in February, and the family of a victim of the FSU attack.

Families of seven people, including a teenager, who died by suicide or suffered delusions after using ChatGPT have also sued. OpenAI described these cases as "an incredibly heartbreaking situation" and stated that it is working with mental health experts to improve ChatGPT's responses to mental or emotional distress.

Industry-wide safety debate

An OpenAI spokesperson said ChatGPT provided the FSU shooter with factual answers to questions using information generally available from public internet sources and did not encourage illegal or harmful acts. The company emphasized its zero-tolerance policy for using its tools to support acts of violence and is continuously working to strengthen safety measures.

The lawsuit is part of a growing number of legal proceedings against AI companies. In January, Character.AI settled several lawsuits from families who claimed the company's companion chatbots contributed to suicides and mental health crises in children and adolescents. Character.AI stated it has taken innovative and decisive steps regarding AI safety and youth, and prohibits users under 18 from interacting with or creating chatbots.

Just last month, the state of Pennsylvania sued Character.AI, alleging that its chatbots posed as doctors and provided medical advice, violating state licensing regulations for medical professionals. A Character.AI spokesperson told NPR that the company does not comment on ongoing proceedings but that the safety and well-being of users are its highest priority.