OpenAI Faces State AG Probe as ChatGPT Tops 1 Billion Monthly Users
Updated
Updated · CNBC · Jun 13
OpenAI Faces State AG Probe as ChatGPT Tops 1 Billion Monthly Users
3 articles · Updated · CNBC · Jun 13
Summary
A coalition of state attorneys general has opened an investigation into OpenAI, and the company said Friday it will engage constructively and take the states' concerns seriously.
The probe reportedly includes a subpoena seeking information on OpenAI's advertising practices, use of consumer and health data, treatment of minors and seniors, and its AI models.
OpenAI said it works to deploy AI responsibly and added that ChatGPT now includes stronger protections for minors and people in distress, directing them to real-world resources and trusted contacts.
The scrutiny lands as OpenAI, valued at $850 billion and preparing for a possible IPO after confidentially filing with the SEC, faces a widening set of lawsuits over alleged harms tied to ChatGPT.
With mounting legal costs and safety failures, is OpenAI's $850 billion IPO valuation realistic or dangerously inflated?
As lawsuits link AI to real-world tragedies, can OpenAI's safety fixes ever truly guarantee user protection?
OpenAI Under Fire: Legal Battles, Criminal Probes, and the Future of AI After ChatGPT Hits 1 Billion Users
Overview
OpenAI is under intense legal scrutiny after a tragic shooting at Florida State University in April 2025, which led the Florida Attorney General to launch a criminal investigation into ChatGPT. The suspect, Phoenix Ikner, is awaiting trial, while OpenAI has denied responsibility and stated it cooperated with law enforcement. In June 2026, Florida’s Attorney General filed a civil lawsuit against OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman, seeking to hold them accountable under state law and demanding stronger user protections. These events highlight growing concerns about AI safety and the urgent need for responsible development and oversight.