Florida launches investigation into ChatGPT's maker, OpenAI, over alleged risks to minors

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has launched an investigation into OpenAI, citing concerns about potential harms its artificial intelligence products may pose to minors."AI should exist to supplement support and advance mankind, not lead to an existential crisis or our ultimate demise," Uthmeier said Thursday in a video posted to X announcing the probe.Concerns over AI's impact on minors and public safetyUthmeier pointed to alleged links between OpenAI's chatbot, ChatGPT, and cases involving self-harm and suicide among minors. He also said the tool may have been used by Phoenix Ikner, the alleged gunman in the April 17, 2025 mass shooting at Florida State University that left two people dead and five others injured.Additionally, Uthmeier raised concerns that OpenAI's data could potentially be exploited by China's government in ways that could harm U.S. national security."As Big Tech rolls out these technologies, they should not, they cannot, put our safety and security at risk," Uthmeier said. "We support innovation, but that doesn't give any company the right to endanger our children, facilitate criminal activity, empower America's enemies or threaten our national security. Companies that do so will be held accountable to the fullest extent."In a statement, OpenAI pushed back on the concerns and emphasized its safety efforts and widespread use. "Each week, more than 900 million people use ChatGPT to improve their daily lives through uses such as learning new skill...