Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier filed a complaint against OpenAI and its CEO Sam Altman on June 1, 2026, alleging that the company prioritized profits over user safety in the development of its AI technology, specifically ChatGPT. The lawsuit claims that Altman failed to implement necessary safeguards, violating Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act. This marks the first instance of a state suing Altman and OpenAI.
The complaint alleges that Altman and OpenAI misrepresented the capabilities of their systems, resulting in various harms, including aiding mass shooters, encouraging vulnerable individuals towards suicide, and contributing to cognitive decline among users. The lawsuit includes multiple counts of deceptive practices, negligence, and product liability violations.
Uthmeier pointed to specific incidents, including a mass shooting at Florida State University, as examples of the alleged dangers posed by ChatGPT. OpenAI has stated that it continually reviews and updates its guidelines to address user mental health crises, particularly among teenagers. The civil lawsuit is separate from an ongoing criminal investigation into OpenAI regarding its potential responsibility in the Florida State University shooting.
