Florida AG launches investigation into OpenAI

• That could lead to more formal legal scrutiny and possible regulation just as many of these companies are rumored to IPO.

What they're saying: "AI should advance mankind, not destroy it. We're demanding answers on OpenAI's activities that have hurt kids, endangered Americans, and facilitated the recent FSU mass shooting," Uthmeier said in a video posted on X.

• "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," Uthmeier said in the video.
• Uthmeier said the probe will soon include subpoenas.
• "We build ChatGPT to understand people's intent and respond in a safe and appropriate way, and we continue improving our technology. We will cooperate with the Attorney General's investigation," OpenAI said in a statement.

Context: Uthmeier is a former chief of staff to Gov. Ron DeSantis, who backed an AI Bill of Rights proposal that stalled this year under White House scrutiny.

• State lawmakers eager to tackle AI over concerns about kids, jobs and privacy across the country are facing increasing pushback from the Trump administration.

Zoom in: The family of 57-year-old Robert Morales, who was killed in the FSU shooting, reportedly plans to sue OpenAI over ChatGPT's role in his death.

• Similar lawsuits could increase pressure on both states and Congress to consider AI legislation.

What we're watching: Whether this probe becomes a template for other states or triggers federal action on AI liability.

Editor's note: This story has been updated to include a statement from OpenAI.