Florida Launches Criminal Probe into OpenAI Over FSU Shooting

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that the state has initiated a criminal investigation into OpenAI and its chatbot ChatGPT following a deadly shooting at Florida State University last year. The April incident left two people dead and six others injured after a gunman opened fire on campus. The suspect was later shot by police, hospitalized, and charged with multiple counts of murder and attempted murder.

Speaking at a press briefing, Uthmeier alleged that the chatbot may have provided guidance to the suspect regarding firearms, including advice on weapon types, ammunition compatibility, and effectiveness at short range. He argued that if such assistance had come from a human, it could warrant criminal charges. Authorities have issued subpoenas seeking records from OpenAI as part of the investigation to determine whether the company could bear any legal responsibility for the incident.

OpenAI has denied any wrongdoing, stating that the chatbot only delivered general, publicly available information and did not promote or encourage violence. A company spokesperson noted that upon learning about the case, OpenAI identified an account potentially linked to the suspect and shared relevant information with law enforcement. The case adds to growing global concerns about the misuse of artificial intelligence, particularly in areas involving public safety, misinformation, and criminal activity.

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