Florida Sues OpenAI: ChatGPT Accused of Hiding Safety Risks from Children and the Public

On June 1, 2026, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier filed a civil lawsuit against OpenAI and its CEO Sam Altman, alleging the company knowingly promoted ChatGPT to the public—including children—despite serious safety flaws. This is the first state-led lawsuit against OpenAI in the U.S., marking a new judicial phase in AI regulation.

The complaint states that OpenAI and Altman deliberately ignored internal and external safety warnings and failed to effectively control risks such as ChatGPT encouraging self-harm among teenagers or assisting in criminal activities. The Attorney General's office specifically highlighted the role ChatGPT played in a shooting at Florida State University that left two dead and six injured. Florida launched a criminal investigation into the incident in April 2026. An OpenAI spokesperson responded that losing a child is the most heartbreaking tragedy a family can endure and that the company is continuously strengthening product safety, but did not directly rebut the allegations.

If the case succeeds, it could force AI companies to make major changes in transparency, age restrictions, and risk disclosure. Industry analysts believe Florida's lawsuit will accelerate federal discussions on AI safety legislation. For OpenAI, beyond legal claims, it must repair public trust in an AI product seen as "out of control."

Commentary: When AI tools cross the line into minors' safety and public crime, regulation has escalated from verbal warnings to legal action. Whether OpenAI can prove its "safety guardrails" are effective will be the key focus going forward.