Attorney General James Uthmeier claims that ChatGPT has been ‘connected to unlawful activities.’
Attorney General James Uthmeier states that ChatGPT has been ‘connected to unlawful activities.’
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is initiating an inquiry into OpenAI concerning public safety and national security concerns, as previously mentioned by Reuters. In a statement Thursday, Uthmeier expressed worries that OpenAI’s data and technology might be “falling into the hands of America’s adversaries, such as the Chinese Communist Party.”
Uthmeier additionally states that OpenAI’s ChatGPT has been “connected to unlawful activities” related to child sexual abuse material and the “promotion” of self-harm. He notes that ChatGPT may have aided the individual suspected of perpetrating a shooting at Florida State University in April 2025. This week, the family of a man who lost his life during the FSU shooting filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging that the suspect maintained “constant communication with ChatGPT.
OpenAI is anticipated to launch an initial public offering (IPO) this year and is under scrutiny from regulators regarding its approach to child safety. Last October, the Federal Trade Commission directed OpenAI and other tech companies to provide details about their assessment of the impacts of their chatbots on minors.
“AI should serve to enhance, support, and uplift humanity, not lead to an existential threat or our ultimate downfall,” Uthmeier states. “As Big Tech releases these technologies, they should not — they cannot — jeopardize our safety and security.” Uthmeier mentions that subpoenas related to the inquiry are “on the way.”
