Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced Thursday that his office has opened an investigation into OpenAI and its chatbot, ChatGPT, citing concerns about child safety, public safety and national security.
In a video statement and accompanying post on X, Uthmeier pointed to alleged links between ChatGPT and harmful conduct, including child sexual abuse material, suicide and self-harm involving minors. He also referenced the April 2025 mass shooting at Florida State University, claiming that ChatGPT may have been used by the accused gunman before the attack that killed two people.
Uthmeier said subpoenas are forthcoming as the state seeks information about OpenAI’s activities and the potential misuse of its technology.
“AI should advance mankind, not destroy it. We’re demanding answers on OpenAI’s activities that have hurt kids, endangered Americans, and facilitated the recent FSU mass shooting,” Uthmeier said.
He also called on the Florida Legislature to move quickly on protections aimed at shielding children from AI-related harms and expanding the attorney general’s authority to respond.
