Florida Attorney General James Othmeyer announced an investigation into OpenAI and its chatbot ChatGPT. He raised concerns about the safety of artificial intelligence and claimed that the company was mishandling its data, which could allow it to fall into the wrong hands.
Florida AG announces research into OpenAI and ChatGPT
in Share XUthmeier announced that they have begun an investigation into OpenAI and ChatGPT. He noted that this investigation aims to demand answers about the company’s activities that “harmed children, endangered Americans, and facilitated the recent mass shooting at the FFA.”
He added that they must hold the wrongdoers accountable. In a recorded video, the Florida AG also explained that it was conducting this investigation because of concerns that OpenAI data and technology, which could be used against Americans, could fall into the hands of America’s enemies, including the Chinese Communist Party.
Othmeyer also stated that the company’s ChatGPT chatbot also has links to criminal behaviors, including child abuse, and also encourages suicide and self-harm. The Florida AG revealed that it also learned that a chatbot may have aided the mass killer in the FSU mass shooting. He stressed that “artificial intelligence should advance humanity, not destroy it.”
Florida AG also redoubled its efforts, declaring that big tech companies cannot afford to jeopardize Americans’ safety or increase national security risks as they develop artificial intelligence. As part of the investigation, Othmeyer stated that subpoenas are already imminent. He concluded his speech by urging the Florida Legislature to pass laws that protect children and further empower the Attorney General’s Office to fight these “evils.”
It is worth noting that this development comes as OpenAI prepares for its own IPO, which could happen in the second half of the year or early 2027. Its public listing could be its second-largest listing this year, just behind SpaceX IPOwith the company reportedly targeting a $1 trillion valuation.
The White House is looking to create federal oversight of AI laws
According to Axios reportthe Trump administration is backing away from Republican-led artificial intelligence bills in Nebraska and Tennessee, citing officials familiar with the negotiations. It is said that these negotiations are an attempt to pressure these countries to weaken or abandon their efforts.
This comes as the White House seeks to establish federal oversight of the artificial intelligence industry, despite faltering legislative efforts in Congress. Notably, the White House last month released a 4-page “National Policy Framework” for artificial intelligence (AI) in a move to preempt state laws.
The framework included proposals urging Congress to protect children, communities, copyrights, and freedom of expression while “enabling innovation and ensuring the dominance of American artificial intelligence.” She urged Congress not to create any new federal rule-making body to regulate AI companies like hers OpenAI by Sam Altman.
Instead, the White House urged Congress to support the development and deployment of sector-specific AI applications through existing regulatory bodies with subject matter expertise and industry-led standards.
