Florida Launches Investigation Into OpenAI Over Serious Safety Allegations

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier today launched a comprehensive investigation into OpenAI, creator of ChatGPT, following serious allegations about safety risks to minors and national security concerns.

Critical Allegations

The investigation, officially commenced on April 10, 2026, examines alleged links between ChatGPT and:

• Incidents of self-harm and suicide among minors
• The 2025 Florida State University mass shooting that claimed two lives

Particularly alarming are reports that Phoenix Ikner, the alleged perpetrator of the FSU massacre, allegedly discussed suicide, weapon choices, and mass shootings with ChatGPT before the attack. He reportedly asked questions like "If there was a shooting at FSU, how would the country react?" and "What time is it the busiest in the FSU student union?".

National Security Concerns

Uthmeier also raised concerns that OpenAI's data could potentially be exploited by foreign governments like China, posing a threat to U.S. national security.

"While we support innovation, companies should not endanger children, facilitate criminal activity, empower America's enemies, or threaten national security," the Attorney General stated.

OpenAI's Response

OpenAI issued a statement emphasizing their ongoing safety efforts and the widespread beneficial use of ChatGPT by millions of people. The company pledged to cooperate with the Attorney General's investigation.

Ironically, the announcement came one day after OpenAI released a new framework aimed at preventing AI abuse, including proposals to update state laws to better address AI-generated abusive content.

Broader Implications

This investigation represents the first major state-level assault on AI safety of this nature and could set precedent for other states. Families of the deceased are reportedly planning lawsuits against OpenAI.

Earlier this year, Florida passed House Bill 245, which updates state law to use the term "child sexual abuse material" to better address AI-generated abusive content.