Florida AG Turns AI's "Terminator Mode" On: Investigation Opens as OpenAI Chases $1T Unicorn Status

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has launched an investigation into OpenAI and its chatbot ChatGPT, citing serious concerns about AI safety and data mishandling. Because apparently, the only thing scarier than a rug pull is a chatbot pull.

In an X post, Uthmeier announced the investigation aims to demand answers on activities that "hurt kids, endangered Americans, and facilitated the recent FSU mass shooting." The AG stated they must hold wrongdoers accountable. Classic accountability theater—just without the NFTs.

In a recorded video, Uthmeier explained the investigation stems from concerns that OpenAI's data and technology could be falling into the hands of America's enemies, including the "Chinese Communist Party." He also mentioned ChatGPT has been linked to criminal behaviors, including child abuse, and encourages suicide and self-harm. Apparently the AI skips therug pulls and goes straight for the social engineering attacks.

The Florida AG revealed the chatbot may have assisted the mass murderer in the FSU mass shooting. "AI should advance mankind, not destroy it," he asserted. Deep.

Uthmeier doubled down, declaring that big tech companies cannot afford to put Americans' safety at risk or raise national security concerns as they advance AI. Subpoenas are already forthcoming as part of the investigation. Nothing says "we take this seriously" quite like legal paperwork and a strongly worded X thread.

He urged the Florida legislature to roll out laws protecting children and further empower the AG's office to fight these "evils." Because when the metaverse burned, everyone cried for regulation—now AI is getting the same treatment.

This development comes as OpenAI prepares for its IPO, potentially occurring in the second half of 2026 or early 2027. The public listing could be the second-largest of the year, just behind the SpaceX IPO, with the company targeting a $1 trillion valuation. The valuation is so fat it makes ETH look like a mid-cap.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration is pushing back on Republican-led AI bills in Nebraska and Tennessee, reportedly pressuring those states to weaken or abandon their efforts as the White House seeks federal oversight of the AI industry. States' rights apparently only apply until the federal government spots a regulatory grail.

The White House