OpenAI Faces State-Level Probe and Florida Lawsuit
- •A coalition of state attorneys general has launched an investigation into OpenAI.
- •The state of Florida recently sued OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman over alleged safety failures.
- •OpenAI, valued at $852 billion in March, has confidentially filed for an initial public offering.
A coalition of state attorneys general is conducting an investigation into OpenAI, requesting extensive internal information from the artificial intelligence firm. While specific details regarding the scope of the inquiry or the identities of the participating states remain undisclosed, an OpenAI spokesperson confirmed on June 12 that the company is cooperating with the probe and intends to engage constructively with the involved offices. The company emphasized its commitment to responsible development, stating it works daily to bring benefits to users safely.
Legal challenges for the company have intensified recently. Earlier this month, the state of Florida filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and Chief Executive Officer Sam Altman, alleging the company disregarded safety warnings and released its ChatGPT chatbot despite knowing it could cause user harm. Additionally, the company faces various lawsuits from individuals alleging the chatbot has caused harm to adults and minors, including accusations linked to deaths by suicide. In response, a spokesperson stated that current versions of ChatGPT incorporate protective features for minors and individuals in difficult situations, including safeguards that provide access to real-world resources and trusted human contacts.
The probe comes as OpenAI continues to expand its influence since the launch of ChatGPT in late 2022. The company, now one of the most-valuable global startups, achieved a valuation of $852 billion during a fundraising round in March. Further indicating its growth, OpenAI disclosed earlier this week that it has confidentially filed for an initial public offering.