Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has announced the first-in-the-nation state-led lawsuit against OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman, alleging the company prioritized profit over public safety.

In a 83-page complaint filed in Florida’s 10th Judicial Circuit Court, the state claims OpenAI created “a dangerous online product where harmful information such as tips on eating disorders, self-harm and mass murder are readily available, including to young children.” Uthmeier stated: “OpenAI and Altman ignored internal and external safety warnings, put children at great risk, and allowed a dangerous product to reach millions of Floridians.”

The lawsuit accuses OpenAI and its CEO of negligence and violations of Florida’s prohibition on unfair and deceptive practices. If found liable, the company could face damages or penalties up to billions of dollars. The complaint also references alleged uses of ChatGPT in planning a mass shooting at Florida State University and the killing of two graduate students at the University of South Florida. OpenAI has maintained it designs systems with “safety at every step” and provides safeguards to assist users during sensitive conversations.

Uthmeier emphasized: “They have chosen profit over public safety.” This lawsuit follows similar legal actions by governments and private citizens against OpenAI, which faces ongoing allegations of causing user harm through its products.