Florida sues OpenAI CEO over alleged safety failures

Florida Attorney General claimed OpenAI and its leadership disregarded both internal and external safety.

FLORIDA: The US state of Florida has filed a lawsuit against artificial intelligence company OpenAI and its chief executive Sam Altman, alleging that the company knowingly released ChatGPT to the public while concealing serious safety risks.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the legal action at a press conference, saying the company ignored internal safety warnings and misled users about the nature and risks of its product.

He claimed OpenAI and its leadership disregarded both internal and external safety concerns, exposed children to potential harm, and made a “dangerous product” available to millions of users in Florida.

The complaint also references two separate shooting incidents, alleging that attackers used ChatGPT during planning stages to ask questions related to their crimes.

In response, OpenAI said its models repeatedly directed individuals toward real-world help, including encouraging them to seek support from mental health professionals.

The company also said it has cooperated with law enforcement in both cases cited in the lawsuit.