Florida AG launches criminal investigation into ChatGPT over FSU shooting

Florida Attorney General James Ulthmeier has announced that the state's Office of Statewide Prosecution has initiated a criminal investigation into OpenAI and its AI model, ChatGPT. This investigation follows a mass shooting that occurred at Florida State University (FSU) in 2025, during which the suspect reportedly utilized ChatGPT prior to the incident. The legal basis for the investigation stems from Florida law, which states that individuals who aid, abet, or counsel someone in the commission of a crime may be considered principals to that crime if the crime is committed or attempted. This implies that the responses provided by ChatGPT to the shooter could potentially be viewed as aiding and abetting his actions. OpenAI has responded to the investigation by asserting that while the mass shooting at FSU was a tragedy, ChatGPT should not be held responsible for the crime. The company emphasized that it identified a ChatGPT interaction related to the incident after learning about it. The investigation raises questions about the accountability of AI technologies in relation to criminal activities and the implications of their use in such contexts. The investigation has garnered attention from various media outlets, including NPR, Engadget, Ars Technica, Politico, and NBC News, all of which report on the legal and ethical considerations surrounding the use of AI in relation to criminal acts. As the investigation unfolds, it may set precedents regarding the responsibilities of AI developers and the legal interpretations of AI interactions in criminal cases.