Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has announced a criminal investigation into OpenAI and its ChatGPT platform following a fatal shooting at Florida State University last year. The state is examining whether the artificial intelligence bears responsibility for the tragedy, which resulted in two deaths and six injuries. According to Uthmeier, the chatbot provided the perpetrator with specific tactical advice, including recommendations on firearm types, ammunition compatibility, and the effectiveness of weapons at close range.
The Attorney General emphasized that if a human had provided such guidance, they would be facing murder charges. Consequently, the Office of Statewide Prosecution has issued subpoenas to OpenAI for records and data to determine if the company holds criminal liability for the AI’s role in the event. This investigation highlights growing global concerns regarding the potential for AI to facilitate criminal activity, alongside broader worries about job displacement, fraud, and energy consumption.
OpenAI has denied any responsibility for the shooting, describing the event as a tragedy while maintaining that their technology functioned as intended. A company spokesperson stated that the chatbot provided factual information that is already widely available on the public internet and did not encourage or promote any illegal acts. The company also noted that they proactively identified an account linked to the suspect and shared that data with law enforcement authorities once they became aware of the incident.
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