Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced Monday his office will probe OpenAI's ChatGPT after court records suggested the AI chatbot played a role in the slayings of two USF doctoral students. The accused killer, 26-year-old Hisham Abugharbieh, is being held without bail in the deaths of his roommate Zamil Limon and Limon's friend Nahida Bristy, both 27. This marks the latest flashpoint in a growing national debate over AI accountability.
The investigation follows Uthmeier's earlier probe into OpenAI this month tied to ChatGPT's alleged involvement in a mass shooting at Florida State University. State lawmakers are expected to take up AI regulation during a special legislative session starting Tuesday. OpenAI previously said it would cooperate with the investigation.
Abugharbieh is accused of killing the two doctoral students from Bangladesh, who were last heard from April 16, according to the Tampa Bay Times. No further details on how ChatGPT was allegedly used in the crime have been released by authorities. OpenAI did not respond to a request for comment on Monday.
Critics argue that holding AI companies criminally liable for user actions could stifle innovation and set a dangerous precedent for free expression. The case could test the legal boundaries of platform accountability in the AI era. Legal experts are watching closely as this could shape future liability frameworks for generative AI tools.
OpenAI has not yet provided a detailed public response to the specific USF allegations beyond its earlier pledge to cooperate.