June 2, 2026 The state of Florida has filed a sweeping lawsuit against OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman, alleging that the company prioritized growth and profits over the safety of its users. The lawsuit marks the first time a U.S. state has taken legal action against OpenAI over concerns related to the safety and societal impact of its AI products.
Filed Monday by James Uthmeier, the 83-page complaint paints a stark picture of OpenAI’s rise, claiming the company built its success through what Florida describes as “a web of deceit” that exploited users and their data while ignoring known risks.
The state is seeking to hold Altman personally liable, arguing that he played a central role in decisions that allegedly exposed users, including minors, to harm. According to the complaint, Florida believes OpenAI showed an “utter disregard” for risks associated with its products while pursuing market dominance in the rapidly evolving AI industry.
The lawsuit is separate from a criminal investigation that Florida launched in April. Together, the actions represent one of the most aggressive regulatory challenges OpenAI has faced in the United States.
At the heart of the case are allegations surrounding ChatGPT and its potential impact on vulnerable users. Florida claims the company’s “careless introduction” of the chatbot contributed to harmful outcomes, including cases involving violence and suicide. The complaint references incidents from the past year, including allegations that ChatGPT was used in planning a mass shooting at Florida State University in 2025 and was connected to the murders of two graduate students at the University of South Florida.
The state further argues that minors have become attached to AI systems that simulate human understanding and compassion while collecting personal information without sufficient parental oversight.
“This litany of harms is driven by Defendants’ insatiable quest to win the AI arms race and amass large fortunes, despite knowing the danger of ChatGPT,” the complaint states.
Florida is pursuing multiple legal claims, including allegations of deceptive and unfair trade practices, negligence, product liability violations, fraudulent misrepresentation and public nuisance. The state is seeking civil penalties as well as court orders that would require OpenAI to place stricter limits on the collection of data from minors and provide stronger warnings about potential risks associated with ChatGPT.
Speaking at a press conference, Uthmeier said the lawsuit is intended to force changes to the platform’s design and parental protections.
“People are getting hurt, parents are getting deceived and they need to pay for it by opening up their checkbooks and changing the program to ensure there are parental controls,” he said.
OpenAI pushed back on the allegations while acknowledging the importance of protecting younger users. In a statement, the company said AI is a powerful and evolving technology and pointed to safety measures specifically designed for minors.
The company also emphasized that it has introduced safeguards intended to help users when conversations become sensitive, particularly teenagers. OpenAI said it remains committed to improving those protections.
“Losing a child is the most devastating tragedy that can happen to a family and we know that no words can come close to addressing the pain of such a loss,” an OpenAI spokesperson said. “We know pointing to this work will not bring a child back, but we’re committed to getting this right.”
OpenAI has repeatedly maintained that it designs its products with safety as a core objective and has previously defended its approach in response to lawsuits involving mental health concerns.
The Florida lawsuit arrives as AI companies face growing scrutiny from lawmakers, regulators and courts over how powerful conversational systems should be deployed and what safeguards should be required. While many policymakers have focused on privacy, misinformation and copyright issues, Florida’s complaint centers on whether AI developers can be held legally responsible for harms allegedly linked to how people interact with their systems.
