The state of Florida filed a civil lawsuit against OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman, accusing them of marketing ChatGPT without adequate security measures and of allegedly hiding risks associated with the use of artificial intelligence, especially among minors.

The legal action was announced by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, who maintains that the company prioritized business growth and the expansion of its technology over protecting users.

The lawsuit, filed in state court, accuses OpenAI of deceptive trade practices, negligence, product liability and public nuisance. In addition, it seeks financial sanctions and changes in the operation of the platform to strengthen security controls and parental supervision.

According to the court document, ChatGPT would have contributed to various potential damages, including addictive behaviors, impairments to critical thinking, and situations related to self-harm or violence. Prosecutors also argue that the tool was designed to keep users interacting for long periods, which would increase data collection and the company's commercial value.

“AI companies cannot ignore the risks associated with their products as they continue to expand their reach,” Uthmeier said in announcing the lawsuit.

Florida links lawsuit to shooting investigation

The civil action comes months after the state prosecutor's office launched a criminal investigation related to the use of ChatGPT by the alleged perpetrator of a shooting that occurred in 2025 at Florida State University, an incident that left two people dead and several injured.

State authorities maintain that they are reviewing conversations between the suspect and the chatbot to determine if the platform could have provided information or recommendations related to violent acts.

Although the criminal investigation remains open and no criminal charges have been filed against OpenAI, the case has become one of the main arguments used by the state government to push for greater regulations on artificial intelligence.

Uthmeier assured that technology companies must assume responsibility when there are indications that their tools may be used in a harmful way, especially by minors or vulnerable people.

The debate on the regulation of artificial intelligence grows

The lawsuit marks a new chapter in the growing national debate over the regulation of artificial intelligence in the United States. Florida thus becomes the first state to take legal action of this magnitude against OpenAI and Altman for issues related to design, security and user protection.

The litigation also reflects the position taken in recent years by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who has promoted initiatives to establish limits on the use of AI-based technologies and strengthen parental supervision tools.

So far, OpenAI had not issued a detailed public response to the lawsuit. On previous occasions, the company has defended its security systems and has indicated that it continues to implement measures to reduce risks and improve user protection.

The case could become a national reference for future legal disputes over the scope of liability of companies that develop artificial intelligence and the role of governments in supervising a technology that advances rapidly in different areas of daily life.