Florida’s Attorney General, James Uthmeier, has announced an investigation into OpenAI, focusing on potential risks to public safety and national security. This move, initially reported by Reuters, comes amidst concerns that OpenAI’s data and technologies might be exploited by adversaries of the United States, such as the Chinese Communist Party, according to Uthmeier’s statement on Thursday.

Uthmeier raised alarms about OpenAI’s ChatGPT being associated with criminal activities, including the distribution of child sexual abuse material and promoting self-harm. Additionally, there are allegations of ChatGPT being used as an aid by the individual implicated in the Florida State University shooting in April 2025. This week, the family of a victim from the FSU incident initiated legal action against OpenAI, claiming the suspect had been in “constant communication” with ChatGPT.

“AI should serve to enhance and support humanity, rather than leading us towards an existential threat or eventual downfall,” Uthmeier stated. He emphasized that as major tech companies introduce these innovations, they must not jeopardize our safety and security. Uthmeier also mentioned that subpoenas related to the investigation are expected to be issued shortly.