Florida Sues OpenAI, Claims ChatGPT Creators Knew Product Would Cause Harm
Attorney General James Uthmeier filed an 83-page lawsuit alleging OpenAI knew ChatGPT would cause harm, linking the AI to FSU campus tragedy.
HIGHLANDS COUNTY, FLORIDA — Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier filed an 83-page lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging the company knew its ChatGPT technology would cause harm and misled consumers about its safety features.
The Florida Department of Legal Affairs filed the complaint in Highlands County state circuit court, linking OpenAI’s product rollout to incidents including the 2025 mass shooting on the Florida State University campus. The lawsuit claims the artificial intelligence chatbot was consulted or involved in the tragedy.
State Challenges Safety Claims
The complaint begins with a screenshot of ChatGPT’s parental control policy stating “Built with safety in mind.” Attorney General Uthmeier’s response in the filing: “Not so.”
“This success has not been earned; the rise of OpenAI is attributable to a web of deceit and the exploitation of users (including Floridians), leveraging their data and safety to boost OpenAI’s market value at unacceptable costs,” the state argued in court documents. Florida contends the company’s rapid product rollout endangers consumers.
Explosive Revenue Growth
The lawsuit highlights ChatGPT’s financial success since becoming a household name. The technology generated $1 billion per quarter by the end of 2024, according to court filings. As of last month, monthly revenue reached $2 billion.
Florida seeks to hold OpenAI CEO Sam Altman personally liable for what the state describes as “reckless and willful conduct.” The lawsuit alleges violations of the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.
Damages and Relief Sought
The state is pursuing monetary damages, disgorgement, restitution, civil penalties, equitable relief, injunctive relief, and attorneys’ fees and costs from OpenAI. The legal action represents Florida’s effort to hold the artificial intelligence company accountable for alleged consumer deception.
OpenAI has not yet responded to requests for comment on the lawsuit. The case was filed in Highlands County circuit court as the state continues its legal challenge against one of the technology industry’s most prominent companies.
The lawsuit comes as states increasingly move to regulate artificial intelligence and automated systems in the absence of federal action. Florida’s legal action specifically targets what it characterizes as OpenAI’s failure to protect users while prioritizing rapid market expansion and revenue growth.
