Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has sued OpenAI and its chief executive officer, Sam Altman, alleging the artificial intelligence company put growth and profits ahead of user safety.
The lawsuit, filed Monday in Florida circuit court, claims OpenAI misled users about the risks associated with ChatGPT. Additionally, the state alleges the company collected user data while failing to implement adequate safeguards, particularly for minors.
Florida became the first U.S. state to bring a civil lawsuit against OpenAI over safety concerns. The case follows a separate criminal investigation that Uthmeier’s office launched in April.
In an 83-page complaint, the state accused OpenAI of building its business through deceptive practices. Furthermore, Florida alleged the company exploited users, including residents of the state, while increasing its market value.
The lawsuit seeks to hold Altman personally responsible for alleged harms linked to OpenAI’s conduct. State lawyers argued that Altman ignored known risks connected to the technology while pursuing rapid growth.
Florida also claimed ChatGPT’s release contributed to serious public safety concerns. The complaint cited several violent incidents from the past year, including a reported plan to carry out a mass shooting at Florida State University in April 2025. In addition, the lawsuit referenced the murders of two graduate students at the University of South Florida in April.
According to the complaint, some minors have become dependent on the chatbot. Consequently, the state argued that OpenAI failed to provide sufficient parental oversight and protections for younger users.
Florida accused OpenAI of four counts of deceptive and unfair trade practices. Additionally, the complaint includes two negligence claims, two product liability claims, one count of fraudulent misrepresentation and one public nuisance claim.
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Parents lacked adequate information about the technology’s risks
The state seeks civil penalties and court orders that would restrict the collection of minors’ data. Furthermore, Florida wants OpenAI to provide stronger warnings about potential risks associated with ChatGPT.
At a press conference Monday, Uthmeier said families had suffered harm while parents lacked adequate information about the technology’s risks. He also called for stronger parental controls and financial penalties against the company.
OpenAI responded by acknowledging that artificial intelligence remains a powerful and developing technology. However, the company said it has already introduced safety measures designed specifically for younger users.
An OpenAI spokesperson said the loss of a child represents a devastating tragedy for any family. Meanwhile, the company pointed to existing safeguards intended to protect minors who use its products.
NBC News first reported the lawsuit. The complaint was filed in Florida’s 10th Judicial Circuit Court.
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