OpenAI now faces a criminal probe after its chatbot, ChatGPT, allegedly provided advice to a Florida State University student responsible for a mass shooting that left two dead and six injured. In a press release, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier confirmed the investigation into OpenAI’s potential criminal liability, noting that ChatGPT offered ‘significant advice’ before the alleged crimes.

The 20-year-old suspect is currently awaiting trial for multiple charges of murder and attempted murder. During a press conference, Uthmeier emphasized Florida’s aiding and abetting laws, suggesting that even if ChatGPT were human, it would be charged alongside the perpetrator. OpenAI, however, maintains its innocence, stating in a statement to Ars: 'ChatGPT is not responsible for this terrible crime.'

The probe will test whether companies like OpenAI can be held criminally liable for AI outputs, marking a significant legal hurdle as law enforcement ventures into uncharted territory with ChatGPT. Attorney General Uthmeier stressed the urgent need to investigate chatbot-linked public safety risks, including suicide, child sexual abuse, fraud and murder.