Florida has become the first US state to sue OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman, accusing them of releasing an unsafe artificial intelligence product and of ignoring warnings about potential harm.
Attorney General James Uthmeier filed the lawsuit on Monday, claiming ChatGPT helped users plan violence, encouraged self-harm, weakened critical-thinking skills, and fostered unhealthy dependence among minors.
The suit argues that OpenAI prioritized growth and profits over public safety in the race to dominate the AI industry.
According to the lawsuit, OpenAI’s technologies place users, particularly children, at risk of addiction, cognitive impairment, violence, and related harms. The lawsuit also names Sam Altman as a defendant and seeks to establish his personal liability.
OpenAI rejected the allegations and said it has introduced safeguards, including age-prediction technology, parental monitoring tools, and extensive safety testing.
The company said newer versions of ChatGPT handle sensitive conversations more responsibly than earlier models.
The lawsuit seeks to protect Florida residents and force stronger safeguards. Uthmeier also urged other states to take similar legal action against AI companies if safety concerns persist.