MIAMI (AP) — Florida has taken legal action against OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman, alleging that the company concealed significant risks associated with ChatGPT. According to Attorney General James Uthmeier, Florida is the first state to launch such a lawsuit against the tech firm. Uthmeier described the lawsuit as a pivotal move, stating, "Today, we announced the first-in-the-nation state-led lawsuit against OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman.”

The core of the lawsuit asserts that OpenAI ignored both internal and external warnings regarding safety, thus endangering children and allowing a "dangerous product" to circulate widely among Floridians. The complaint is particularly serious, citing two specific criminal incidents where the accused utilized ChatGPT to plan their actions—one connected to a mass shooting at Florida State University last year, and another involving the disappearance of two doctoral students.

OpenAI responded to these claims, defending ChatGPT as a tool for legitimate purposes and asserting that it promotes seeking professional help when users exhibit harmful intents. The company noted it engages continuously in efforts to enhance its safety measures.

The lawsuit posits that OpenAI prioritized rapid commercialization over user safety, allowing a product that encourages harmful behaviors to reach the public. Moreover, it claims the program collects data from minors without adequate parental control and contributes to behavioral addiction and cognitive harm. Florida officials argue this constitutes a violation of state laws against unfair and deceptive trade practices.

As the case unfolds, it highlights a growing scrutiny of tech companies and their accountability for the tools they create and market. Florida is seeking redress for the ongoing harm inflicted on its residents by these alleged practices.