The legal landscape surrounding artificial intelligence has taken a dramatic turn as Florida attorney general James Uthmeier filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman. This bold move comes amidst growing concerns over the safety and ethical implications of ChatGPT, particularly for children. A recent poll reveals that a significant majority of Floridians support this legal action, highlighting a widespread apprehension about the unchecked power of AI.
The lawsuit, filed in Florida’s 10th Judicial Circuit, alleges that OpenAI has marketed ChatGPT as a safe tool while concealing its potential risks. This makes Florida the first state to take such a decisive stance against the tech giant. The poll, conducted by Sachs Media from June 1-2, 2026, surveyed 1,000 Florida voters and found that 65% support the Attorney General’s case, with 37% strongly in favor. Only 27% oppose the lawsuit, indicating a clear public consensus.
The Public Stands Firmly Behind the Lawsuit
The poll results paint a vivid picture of public sentiment. Support for the lawsuit is highest among Republicans at 72%, but it is also strong among nonpartisans at 65% and Democrats at 58%. Older voters show more support, and both men (68%) and women (61%) back the lawsuit. This bipartisan support underscores the gravity of the concerns surrounding AI safety.
Voters are not only supportive of the lawsuit but also demand real consequences. When asked about penalties, 95% of voters supported at least one option. Ninety percent want restrictions on how ChatGPT operates, and 75% think OpenAI should face financial penalties. The poll also revealed that 79% of voters believe OpenAI misled the public about ChatGPT’s safety, with 86% of women sharing this belief. Additionally, 71% say AI companies do not warn enough about risks, a sentiment that rises to 82% among seniors.
The Call for Parental Consent
One of the most striking findings is the overwhelming support for requiring parental permission before collecting data from children under 13. A staggering 96% of Floridians agree with this measure, with 86% strongly agreeing. This support remains consistent across all parties, ages, and genders, highlighting a universal concern for children’s safety in the digital age.
The Legal Battle and Its Implications
The lawsuit alleges that OpenAI has engaged in deceptive and unfair trade practices, negligence, and fraudulent misrepresentation. It also accuses the company of causing a public nuisance by failing to adequately protect users, especially children. The complaint cites several incidents, including the Florida State mass shooting and the killing of two University of South Florida doctoral students, where ChatGPT was allegedly used to plan and execute harmful activities.
In response, OpenAI has stated that it has implemented industry-leading protections and policies to ensure the safety of minors. The company points to its age detection tools and parental monitoring features as evidence of its commitment to safety. However, the lawsuit argues that these measures are insufficient and that OpenAI has prioritized profit over public safety.
The Broader Context of AI Regulation
This legal action comes at a time when the broader tech industry is facing increased scrutiny. President Donald trump recently signed an executive order asking some AI companies to submit their most advanced models for voluntary government review before public release. This order is a less stringent version of a tougher draft that was rejected last month. Florida’s lawsuit represents a more aggressive approach to AI regulation, setting a precedent for other states to follow.
The lawsuit also highlights the growing concerns about the addictive nature of AI products and their potential to encourage self-harm and violence. Eighty-five percent of voters are concerned about chatbots collecting children’s data without parental knowledge, while 82% fear these products are addictive. Sixty percent are worried about the encouragement of self-harm, and 58% are concerned about links to violence. These concerns are central to Uthmeier’s 83-page complaint.
The Future of AI Regulation
As Florida takes on a trillion-dollar industry, the poll numbers show that voters are already supporting the state before the first hearing. The legal battle between Florida and OpenAI is likely to have far-reaching implications for the tech industry and AI regulation. It underscores the need for robust safety measures and transparency in how AI products are marketed and used.
The outcome of this lawsuit could set a precedent for future legal actions against AI companies. It also highlights the importance of public opinion in shaping policy and regulation. As the world grapples with the rapid advancement of AI, the need for responsible and ethical practices has never been more critical. The legal battle in Florida is just the beginning of a broader conversation about the future of AI and its impact on society.
