Florida has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman, in the state court. The suit alleges that the company failed to warn users about potential dangers related to ChatGPT, and claims they promoted it as safe, particularly for children. The lawsuit marks the first time a state has taken legal action against the ChatGPT maker over these concerns.
The case claims OpenAI and Altman prioritized profit over safety. They allegedly ignored risks associated with ChatGPT and marketed it as a trustworthy product. Florida’s lawsuit is part of an increasing effort nationwide to hold AI companies accountable for harm linked to chatbot interactions.
“This is driven by the defendants’ quest to win the AI race and accumulate wealth, knowing the risks,” the lawsuit states.
The lawsuit accuses OpenAI of contributing to violent acts, such as a shooting at Florida State University, where the shooter reportedly used ChatGPT for planning. It also accuses the company of encouraging suicide and creating addiction among children. The accusations claim ChatGPT collects data without appropriate parental oversight.
Florida seeks to hold Altman personally responsible. Attorney General James Uthmeier suggests potential fines could reach billions of dollars. At a press conference, he stated that OpenAI prioritizes the AI race over children’s safety.
Kayla Wood, an OpenAI spokesperson, expressed sorrow over family tragedies and stated the company implements top safeguards for minors. These include a protected experience for minors, an age prediction tool, and parental monitoring features.
Despite OpenAI’s claims, the lawsuit argues existing safety measures are inadequate. It highlights ChatGPT’s website claim of being built with safety in mind, followed by a rebuttal stating otherwise.
The lawsuit coincides with a criminal investigation into whether the FSU shooter consulted ChatGPT before the attack. Over 20 related lawsuits are pending against OpenAI, alleging the bot contributed to various harms, including suicides and a mass school shooting in Canada.
Sam Altman has apologized for past incidents. OpenAI insists it does not promote harmful behavior and works continuously to enhance safety measures, collaborating with mental health experts to address distress signals in users.
Legal scrutiny extends to other AI companies. Google’s Gemini chatbot faced a wrongful death lawsuit from a Florida man’s family. Google claims Gemini directs users to crisis hotlines when necessary.
In January, Character.AI settled multiple lawsuits. Allegations centered on chatbots leading to suicides and mental health issues among youths. The company emphasizes its commitment to AI safety, including barring users under 18 from creating chatbots.
Pennsylvania has also taken legal action against Character.AI, arguing that its chatbots provided medical advice in violation of licensing laws. Character.AI maintains its focus on user safety and well-being.