Florida Probes ChatGPT Over Suspected Role in Shooting

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has launched a criminal investigation into technology company OpenAI and its ChatGPT tool over suspicions it may have influenced the behavior of a mass shooting suspect. Authorities will examine whether the artificial intelligence provided “significant advice” to the attacker before the incident.

Uthmeier said his office is expanding its review of the company and has issued subpoenas. He said criminal proceedings should be considered. “If there was a man on the other side of the screen, we would charge him with murder”, he said at a news conference in Tampa.

The investigation follows earlier inquiries by the Office of Statewide Prosecution into potential national security and user safety risks linked to artificial intelligence. It was intensified after lawyers representing the family of one of the victims said the suspect had been in “constant contact with ChatGPT” before the attack.

According to the lawyers, the chatbot may have advised the suspect on how to carry out the crime. The suspect is said to have sought information on weapons, ammunition and locations with large crowds. OpenAI denies responsibility, stating that it provided only factual information available from public sources.

(guardian, bak)