Florida Attorney General (AG) James Uthmeier said Thursday that his office is launching an investigation into OpenAI and its ChatGPT tool, citing national security concerns and alleged use of the chatbot in a recent mass shooting.
In a video posted to X, Uthmeier said that “subpoenas are forthcoming” in the state’s investigation of OpenAI, a major artificial intelligence (AI) company that offers the popular chatbot ChatGPT.
Uthmeier said that the investigation is in part tied to evidence that shows the suspect in the Florida State University shooting last year – which left two people dead and several others injured – may have used ChatGPT to assist the shooter.
According to reporting from WCTV, the suspect used ChatGPT to ask questions about mass shootings and how to use a firearm.
Uthmeier said this incident is just one example of why the state has decided to launch an investigation.
“AI is built on its ability to gather data, and there are concerns about whether OpenAI’s data and AI technologies that could be used against America are falling into the hands of America’s enemies, such as the Chinese Communist Party,” the AG said. “OpenAI’s ChatGPT has also been linked to criminal behavior, including child sex abuse material use by child predators, and the encouragement of suicide and self-harm.”
Going forward, Uthmeier called on the Florida legislature to “work quickly on implementing protections to safeguard our children from the dangers of AI” and to empower the AG’s office “to fight these issues.”
“AI should exist to supplement support and advance mankind, not lead to an existential crisis or our ultimate demise,” Uthmeier said.
In December, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to preempt state AI laws in order to prevent a patchwork of regulations that could limit innovation. It is unclear how that order may impact efforts taken by the Florida legislature to enact more AI protections. While Trump’s order offered some exceptions – including laws aimed at children’s safety – most laws were slated to be challenged by the federal AG.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis condemned Trump’s order, saying that a federal order can’t preempt state legislative action, though Congress could preempt states through legislation.
Uthmeier said Thursday that “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.”
OpenAI did not reply to MeriTalk’s request for comment by deadline.