Florida Sues OpenAI Over AI Safety Risks, Accuses ChatGPT of Endangering Children

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier filed a civil lawsuit against OpenAI and Sam Altman, alleging ChatGPT is unsafe and has harmed children, including claims of addiction and aiding mass shootings and suicide. The suit seeks civil penalties under unfair trade practices, product liability, public nuisance and negligence laws, arguing OpenAI misled the public and exploited user data to boost its market value. It is the first state-level action against OpenAI, comes amid broader scrutiny of AI safety, and is paired with a separate criminal probe into AI-assisted violence; OpenAI has denied wrongdoing and indicated safeguards will be strengthened.