The U.S. state of Florida has filed a lawsuit against AI company OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman. The lawsuit alleges that OpenAI released ChatGPT while ignoring safety warnings and failed to adequately inform users about the product’s risks. It is unusual for a state government to directly sue a major U.S. tech company.
According to a Bloomberg News report on the 1st (local time), Florida specifically claims that OpenAI violated product liability laws and engaged in deceptive and unfair trade practices. The state also highlights that ChatGPT can harm not only minors but adults, with reported cases of delusions, suicide, and crime linked to prolonged use. Additionally, it asserts that ChatGPT has been used to assist in violent acts such as mass shootings.
James Ussmayer, Florida Attorney General, criticized at a press conference, “CEO Sam Altman and ChatGPT chose AI competition over children’s safety and profits over public safety.” He added, “Such harm stems from companies’ endless greed to win the AI arms race and amass vast wealth,” and warned, “If left unchecked, it will continue to threaten the health and safety of Florida residents.”
OpenAI refuted the claims. The company stated, “We have introduced industry-leading safety measures and parental supervision features to protect teenagers,” and explained, “As AI is a powerful new technology, we are well aware of the need to protect minors.”
While individuals or groups have previously sued OpenAI over safety concerns, this marks the first time a state government has done so. State governments are increasingly holding big tech accountable for safety responsibilities. Earlier in January, Kentucky sued Character.AI, and Utah filed a lawsuit against Snap’s AI chatbot. A source from the AI industry remarked, “While AI regulation discussions were previously centered around the federal government and Congress, we have now entered a phase where state governments are directly questioning AI companies’ safety responsibilities.”
Originally written by: Kang Da-eun
Image credit: Yonhap
Source: The Chosun Daily
Published on: 2 June 2026
Link to original article: Florida Sues OpenAI, CEO Over ChatGPT Safety Risks
