Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has launched an investigation into OpenAI, citing significant concerns over public safety and national security risks. The probe, initially reported by Reuters, was announced in a Thursday statement where Uthmeier expressed apprehension that OpenAI's sophisticated data and technology could be "falling into the hands of America’s enemies, such as the Chinese Communist Party."
Attorney General Uthmeier further stated that OpenAI's generative AI model, ChatGPT, has been "linked to criminal behavior." He specifically pointed to connections with child sexual abuse material and the "encouragement" of self-harm. Uthmeier also indicated that ChatGPT may have been utilized to "assist" the individual suspected in an April 2025 shooting incident at Florida State University. This week, the family of a man killed in the FSU shooting filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging that the suspect maintained "constant communication with ChatGPT" prior to the event.
This investigation unfolds as OpenAI anticipates an initial public offering (IPO) later this year, amid increasing regulatory scrutiny regarding its approach to child safety. As part of broader oversight, the Federal Trade Commission had previously ordered OpenAI and other prominent tech companies last October to furnish information on how they evaluate the effects of their chatbot technologies on children.
In his remarks, Uthmeier articulated a clear philosophy for artificial intelligence, stating, "AI should exist to supplement, support, and advance mankind, not lead to an existential crisis or our ultimate demise." He issued a firm caution to the technology sector, emphasizing, "As Big Tech rolls out these technologies, they should not — they cannot — put our safety and security at risk." Uthmeier confirmed that subpoenas related to this ongoing investigation are "forthcoming."
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