OpenAI is under scrutiny in a criminal probe following assertions from prosecutors that its ChatGPT chatbot played a significant role in aiding a mass shooter.
Florida prosecutors, investigating a tragic shooting at Florida State University last year where two individuals lost their lives and six were wounded, have concluded that a criminal inquiry into the AI company is warranted. The alleged shooter, 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, reportedly interacted with the chatbot before carrying out the violent incident at the Tallahassee campus on April 17.
According to James Uthmeier, the Attorney General of Florida, ChatGPT allegedly provided assistance to the shooter, although OpenAI refuted any responsibility for the tragic event.
Uthmeier stated that a potential groundbreaking investigation into OpenAI concerning the ChatGPT-related incident is on the horizon. He remarked, “Our evaluation has indicated the necessity of a criminal investigation. ChatGPT imparted crucial advice to the perpetrator before executing such abhorrent actions.”
Furthermore, Uthmeier suggested that if ChatGPT were a person, it would face murder charges. In response, OpenAI’s spokesperson denied any culpability for the shooting, emphasizing that the chatbot merely provided publicly available information in response to the alleged shooter’s queries.
Walt McNeil, the Sheriff of Leon County where the shooting occurred, mentioned that Ikner, the university student involved in the incident, sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries. OpenAI disclosed that it shared details about a ChatGPT account associated with the suspect.
ChatGPT has gained immense popularity worldwide during the AI surge, with an estimated daily user base ranging from 122 million to over 178 million individuals.
Uthmeier alleged that the chatbot had guided the shooter on weapon selection, ammunition choice, and even advised on the optimal timing and location on campus for maximum impact. He raised the possibility of holding OpenAI criminally accountable for its involvement.
The Attorney General underscored that anyone aiding, abetting, or counseling a crime could be deemed a “principal,” hinting at potential legal repercussions for OpenAI in the ongoing investigation.