Darren Zhou sentenced after OpenAI reports murder plots to FBI

Darren Zhou, a 25-year-old former Goldman Sachs analyst, has been sentenced to eight years of probation following a case where OpenAI reported his detailed plans to harm his ex-girlfriend to the FBI.

Court documents reveal that Zhou used ChatGPT to meticulously outline a plan involving kidnapping, sexual assault, and murder. He provided the AI with specific details regarding his ex-girlfriend's daily routines, locations, and personal preferences. OpenAI's safety protocols flagged the violent intent, leading the company to trigger emergency exception clauses and notify law enforcement.

Investigators determined that Zhou's behavior included aggravated stalking and the use of virtual numbers to harass the victim. While his AI conversations included threats of gun violence, police confirmed he did not possess firearms. On August 13, Zhou pleaded guilty to three felony charges: aggravated stalking, written threats to kill, and unlawful use of a two-way communications device.

The judge granted a plea deal involving eight years of probation, with the first two years consisting of community control, following the victim's consent to the agreement.