Florida Attorney General Claims OpenAI Exposed to Billions in Potential Damages

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier joined Fox Business’ Stuart Varney on “Varney & Co.” to discuss the state’s lawsuit against OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman. The lawsuit alleges that ChatGPT jeopardizes children’s safety by lacking sufficient safeguards.

The legal pressure on OpenAI is intensifying as Florida pursues both civil and criminal investigations that state officials say could result in billions of dollars in damages to the company.

During the interview, Uthmeier presented evidence he claims demonstrates harmful interactions involving ChatGPT and criticized the company for not implementing adequate protections for minors.

Sam Altman, chief executive officer of OpenAI Inc., speaks during BlackRock’s 2026 Infrastructure Summit in Washington, D.C. (Daniel Heuer/Bloomberg / Getty Images)

The lawsuit arrives amid national discussions about AI regulation, as younger users increasingly turn to chatbots for companionship, advice, and information.

Uthmeier highlighted examples of harmful interactions with ChatGPT and contended that the company failed to provide adequate safeguards for minors.

Key Allegations in Florida’s OpenAI Lawsuit

“Our evidence shows countless examples of ChatGPT being used to encourage, assist, or facilitate individuals—including children—in planning self-harm, suicide, violent attacks, or murder,” Uthmeier said. “We will hold OpenAI accountable.”

Uthmeier also referenced the 2025 mass shooting at Florida State University, stating investigators found evidence that the suspect used ChatGPT while planning the attack, underscoring his argument for increased oversight of AI platforms.

“The FSU shooter was consulting ChatGPT on what weapons to use, the timing of the attack, and how to inflict maximum harm,” Uthmeier noted.

Florida officials are pushing for stronger age‑verification requirements and additional safeguards for younger users, drawing a parallel to recent efforts to restrict social media access for children under 16.

Fox Business’ Cheryl Casone reported that Florida is suing OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman, alleging that the company prioritized profits over child safety.

“We want programmatic changes to ensure that children cannot access this platform without parental controls in place,” Uthmeier said.

Uthmeier stated that Florida seeks substantial financial penalties and platform modifications, warning that OpenAI could be “exposed to possibly billions in damages” in the state.

OpenAI has responded to the allegations by emphasizing its safety features designed to limit dangerous content and protect younger users.

OpenAI did not respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

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