Florida Sues OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman, Citing 'Unsafe Product' and Ignored Warnings

Florida has become the first U.S. state to sue OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman, over the development and release of ChatGPT. The lawsuit, filed by Florida's state attorney, James Uthmeier, accuses the artificial intelligence company and its chief executive of releasing an unsafe product and disregarding critical safety warnings.

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The rise of OpenAI is the result of a web of deceit and the exploitation of users (including Florida residents), where their data and safety are misused to increase OpenAI's market value. And all at an unacceptable price.

The legal complaint asserts that OpenAI's rise is built on a "web of deceit" and the exploitation of users, including Florida residents. The state claims that user data and safety were compromised to inflate OpenAI's market value, a practice deemed unacceptable. The lawsuit details 10 counts against the company and Altman, including allegations of deceptive and unfair trade practices, negligence, and violations of state and federal laws.

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high risk of addiction, cognitive decline, suicide, violence, and related harm

Florida's attorney general specifically points to the potential risks associated with OpenAI's systems, citing a "high risk of addiction, cognitive decline, suicide, violence, and related harm." The suit references a 2025 shooting at Florida State University, where the perpetrator reportedly had "extensive conversations" with ChatGPT prior to the incident. The lawsuit seeks sanctions against OpenAI and aims to hold Altman personally liable for damages resulting from ChatGPT's use.

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recklessly acted, with complete disregard for the danger to human life that the operation of his company entails.

OpenAI has not yet responded to the lawsuit, and Altman has remained silent. Previously, the company has stated its commitment to developing systems with safety in mind, aiming to improve ChatGPT's ability to recognize and respond to signs of emotional distress and de-escalate conversations. OpenAI has also denied responsibility for major incidents, including the Florida university shooting, with victims' families also naming the company in their legal actions.

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We continue to improve the training of ChatGPT so that it can recognize and respond to signs of psychological or emotional problems, de-escalate conversations, and refer people to necessary helplines.