The Florida Attorney General has launched a significant civil lawsuit against OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman, alleging that the ChatGPT platform poses a serious threat to children and misleads parents regarding its safety. Officials argue that the AI’s ability to mimic human empathy makes it highly addictive, potentially leading to social withdrawal and declining academic performance in younger users. Citing evidence such as the lack of robust age verification and reports of the chatbot providing dangerous advice—including suggestions on how to conceal eating disorders or self-harm—the state contends that the company has been negligent in protecting its youngest audience.

In response, OpenAI has maintained that it takes the safety of minors seriously, noting that it already enforces policies requiring parental consent for users aged 13 to 17 and strictly prohibiting use by children under 13. However, Florida authorities remain unconvinced, pointing out that the current safeguards are easily bypassed and lack the necessary oversight to truly protect kids from inappropriate content. With the state seeking damages that could reach billions of dollars, the Attorney General is now calling on other states to join the legal battle, aiming to force the AI giant to implement stricter, more transparent safety standards.