Florida Attorney General James Ulthmeier has launched a criminal investigation into OpenAI, following allegations that the suspect in last year's Florida State University mass shooting used ChatGPT in preparation for the attack. The investigation examines whether OpenAI can be held criminally liable under Florida law that considers those who aid or counsel criminals as principals to the crime.

OpenAI denied responsibility in a statement, emphasizing that ChatGPT provided factual responses found in public sources and did not encourage illegal activity. The company claims it proactively shared information with law enforcement after learning of the incident. Florida has subpoenaed OpenAI for internal policies, training materials, and organizational charts related to handling threats and law enforcement cooperation.

This legal action marks another challenge for OpenAI, which previously faced regulatory scrutiny in Canada following a similar incident and continues to defend against a wrongful death lawsuit connected to a teenager's suicide. The Florida investigation represents a significant test of AI companies' legal responsibilities when their tools are used in criminal activities.