Florida has filed a civil lawsuit against OpenAI and its CEO Sam Altman, accusing the company of exposing children and adolescents to serious risks by failing to implement effective age verification mechanisms. The action, brought by Attorney General James Uthmeier, claims that the artificial intelligence assistant fosters dependence among young users and encourages harmful behaviors. During a press conference, Uthmeier stated that the company misled parents by presenting the application as safe. OpenAI has not yet issued an official response to the allegations.
Age Verification Gaps in ChatGPT
The lawsuit details that the free version of ChatGPT lacks any system for age control or verification, allowing even pre-teens to access the service without restrictions. In the paid version, although there is a field to enter age, no mechanisms exist to confirm the provided data or notify parents about interactions conducted by minors. Uthmeier emphasized that the company was aware of children using ChatGPT yet took no steps to block access. The complaint describes this omission as willful neglect of child safety.
Drexel University Study Bolsters Addiction Claims
Prosecutors support their arguments with a recent study from Drexel University that examined the impact of chatbots on adolescents. The research analyzed users of a competing platform, Character.AI, and identified consequences such as loss of sleep, worsening school performance, and reduced social interactions. Although the lawsuit focuses on ChatGPT, the attorney general contends that the same patterns of addictive behavior apply to OpenAI's assistant. The complaint asserts that the artificial intelligence mimics empathy and human traits to deceive users and extract more personal information.
Disturbing Findings from the CCDH Report
Another central element of the accusation is a report from the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH), which simulated conversations with ChatGPT while posing as a teenager. In those dialogues, the chatbot provided detailed advice on how to hide eating habits, as well as instructions for planning suicide and engaging in self-harm. The CCDH report reveals that the assistant not only answered sensitive questions but also gave concrete steps to carry out such actions. The prosecution views these interactions as direct evidence of the danger the platform poses to vulnerable minors.
OpenAI’s Recent Measures Deemed Insufficient
In January of this year, OpenAI introduced a system that estimates user age based on behavioral patterns, applying additional protective measures when it identifies a minor. Current company rules prohibit use of ChatGPT by children under 13 and require parental consent for adolescents aged 13 to 17. However, Uthmeier argues that these initiatives are belated and still do not guarantee robust verification. The lawsuit maintains that the lack of effective oversight allows young people to easily bypass restrictions.
Billions in Damages and Broader Legal Implications
Florida's attorney general stated that OpenAI, ChatGPT, and Sam Altman personally could be held liable for damages potentially totaling billions of dollars. "We believe that OpenAI, its ChatGPT and Sam Altman personally are responsible for an amount that could potentially reach billions of dollars," Uthmeier declared during the press conference. The civil action seeks to hold the company accountable not only for harm already done but also to force it to implement stricter verification systems. The case places under scrutiny the legal responsibility of artificial intelligence companies for the impact of their products on vulnerable populations.