Florida Sues OpenAI and Sam Altman, Accusing Company of Prioritizing Profits Over User Safety

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier filed a lawsuit Monday against OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman, accusing the artificial intelligence company of deceptive practices and placing commercial interests ahead of user safety in the development and marketing of ChatGPT.

The civil complaint, filed in state court, seeks penalties and injunctive relief rather than criminal charges. It marks the first time a U.S. state has sued OpenAI and its leadership personally over product design and safety concerns. The action is separate from an ongoing criminal investigation opened by Uthmeier in late April.

"The rise of OpenAI is attributable to a web of deceit and the exploitation of users, leveraging their data and safety to boost OpenAI's market value at unacceptable costs," the complaint states.

Uthmeier's office alleges OpenAI marketed ChatGPT as safe while knowing it could contribute to harm, including addiction, cognitive decline, suicide risk and violence. The suit claims the company's systems present "a great danger" to users, particularly teenagers, and failed to implement adequate safeguards.

The lawsuit references two Florida incidents: the 2025 Florida State University shooting and the killing of two graduate students at the University of South Florida. It alleges ChatGPT played a role in planning or facilitating these events, though OpenAI has strongly denied any responsibility.

In response to earlier similar claims, OpenAI spokesman Drew Pusateri stated: "ChatGPT is not a substitute for medical or mental health care, and we have continued to strengthen how it responds in sensitive and acute situations with input from mental health experts."

Altman Targeted for Personal Liability

The complaint seeks to hold Altman personally liable, citing his role as founder and CEO in what it describes as "reckless and willful conduct" and "utter disregard for the risk to human life."

OpenAI did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the new lawsuit.

The suit includes multiple counts: four for deceptive and unfair trade practices, two for negligence, two for product liability violations, and single counts of fraudulent misrepresentation and causing a public nuisance. It references advertisements promoting ChatGPT's utility for small businesses and farmers while allegedly failing to disclose risks of inaccurate or harmful outputs.

"ChatGPT's unreliability is dangerous," the complaint states, adding that its use "can lead to self-harm, cognitive decline, and behavioral addiction."

The filing also criticizes the chatbot's tendency toward sycophancy — agreeing excessively with users — which it claims can foster psychological attachment and encourage higher usage fees, ultimately benefiting OpenAI's valuation.

OpenAI's Defense and Broader Lawsuits

OpenAI has consistently maintained that it designs systems with safety in mind. The company says it has implemented safeguards to recognize signs of emotional distress and direct users toward professional help. It has updated ChatGPT multiple times to improve responses in sensitive situations.

The Florida action adds to a growing list of legal challenges against OpenAI. The company faces lawsuits from families of individuals who allegedly harmed themselves or others after interacting with ChatGPT. Similar claims have arisen from incidents in other states and Canada, where families argue OpenAI failed to report concerning user behavior to authorities.

Altman and OpenAI co-founders, including Elon Musk, originally launched the organization as a nonprofit research lab in 2015. It has since created a for-profit entity reportedly preparing for an initial public offering. OpenAI was recently valued at $852 billion following a $122 billion funding round in March.

Musk, who left OpenAI in 2018, has sued the company, accusing it of abandoning its nonprofit mission. A jury ruled against Musk in May, though he plans to appeal.

Florida's Stance on AI Regulation

The lawsuit aligns with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Uthmeier's broader criticism of large AI companies. In December, DeSantis proposed an AI Bill of Rights emphasizing privacy protections while raising concerns about data center construction. The state has positioned itself as a leader in challenging what it views as unchecked AI development.

Uthmeier's office argues that OpenAI's practices exploit users and prioritize market value over safety. The complaint references multiple examples of alleged harmful outputs, including dangerous medical advice provided to teenagers.

Industry Response and Implications

The suit highlights ongoing debates about AI safety, accountability and regulation. As artificial intelligence tools become more integrated into daily life, governments worldwide are grappling with how to balance innovation with consumer protection.

OpenAI and other AI developers face pressure to improve transparency, implement stronger safeguards and address potential societal harms. Industry groups argue that overly restrictive regulations could stifle technological progress, while critics contend that current self-regulation is insufficient.

Florida's action may encourage other states to pursue similar cases, potentially creating a patchwork of AI regulations across the country. Federal lawmakers have also introduced bills addressing AI safety, though comprehensive legislation remains elusive.

The case could have significant implications for how AI companies design, market and monitor their products. Legal experts note that holding CEOs personally liable is relatively rare in such cases and would require proving direct involvement in alleged misconduct.

For now, the lawsuit represents the latest flashpoint in the growing tension between rapid AI advancement and concerns about its societal impact. OpenAI's valuation and influence have grown dramatically, but so too have questions about its responsibilities to users and the public.

As the case proceeds, it will likely draw attention from technology companies, regulators and consumer advocates monitoring the evolving legal landscape surrounding artificial intelligence. The outcome could influence future product development practices and the broader conversation about balancing innovation with safety in the AI era.