TLDR
- Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced an investigation into OpenAI on Thursday.
- The probe focuses on alleged ChatGPT risks to minors, public safety, and national security.
- Uthmeier said subpoenas are expected as the state seeks more details from OpenAI.
- OpenAI said it will cooperate and pointed to ongoing safety work for ChatGPT.
- Florida recently updated state law on AI-generated child sexual abuse material.
Florida has launched an investigation into ChatGPT maker OpenAI, with state officials citing alleged risks to minors. Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the move in a video posted to X on Thursday.
He said the state will examine whether the company’s products may have harmed children, aided criminal conduct, or created security concerns.
The case puts new focus on how states may police fast-growing AI tools. It also comes as Florida leaders debate whether state law should place tighter limits on AI companies. The news centers on Florida launches investigation into ChatGPT’s maker, OpenAI, over alleged risks to minors.
Florida opens probe into OpenAI
Uthmeier said his office will investigate OpenAI and may issue subpoenas. He framed the case as a public safety matter and a child protection issue.
In the video, he said, ”AI should exist to supplement support and advance mankind, not lead to an existential crisis or our ultimate demise.” His office has not yet detailed the full legal scope of the inquiry.
The attorney general said technology companies must not place the public at risk. He added that innovation does not excuse conduct that may endanger children or weaken national security.
Uthmeier said, ”As Big Tech rolls out these technologies, they should not, they cannot, put our safety and security at risk.” He also urged Florida lawmakers to return to the issue soon.
Concerns focus on minors and public safety
The attorney general pointed to reported links between ChatGPT and cases involving self-harm and suicide among minors. He also said the tool may have been used by Phoenix Ikner, the alleged gunman in the April 17, 2025 shooting at Florida State University.
That attack left two people dead and five others injured, according to the account provided in the announcement.
Uthmeier also raised a national security concern. He said OpenAI’s data could be exploited by China’s government in ways that may harm the United States. His office did not release evidence with the video announcement, and it did not explain which data practices are under review.
Even so, the statement showed that the probe may cover both child safety and foreign access concerns.
OpenAI response and Florida law draw attention
OpenAI rejected the broad concerns and said safety work remains central to ChatGPT. In a statement, a company spokesperson said, ”Each week, more than 900 million people use ChatGPT to improve their daily lives.”
The spokesperson added that the company builds ChatGPT to understand intent and respond in a safe and appropriate way. OpenAI also said it will cooperate with the attorney general’s investigation.
The announcement came one day after OpenAI released a framework aimed at preventing AI abuse. The plan called for updates in state law and for clear bans on AI systems generating illegal or harmful content.
OpenAI said it worked with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the Attorney General Alliance’s AI Task Force on that effort.
Florida has also moved on related legislation this year. Lawmakers passed House Bill 245, which updates state law to use the term child sexual abuse material. The law also seeks to close gaps involving AI-generated abuse content.
Governor Ron DeSantis signed the bill on April 1. A separate AI Bill of Rights proposal passed the Senate but stalled in the House. Uthmeier is now asking lawmakers to revisit added protections for children.
Get 3 Free Stock Ebooks
Discover top-performing stocks in AI, Crypto, and Technology with expert analysis.
- Top 10 AI Stocks - Leading AI companies
- Top 10 Crypto Stocks - Blockchain leaders
- Top 10 Tech Stocks - Tech giants
