OpenAI reports user to FBI for detailing violent plans via ChatGPT

Darren Shida Zhou, a 25-year-old former Goldman Sachs analyst from Florida, has been sentenced to eight years of probation after OpenAI reported his detailed plans for violence to the FBI.

Court documents reveal that in March, Zhou used ChatGPT to describe plans to kidnap, rape, and murder his 21-year-old former partner. His messages included specific details about her interests, locations she visited, and a desire to intercept her near a gym. He also expressed intentions regarding weapon access and potential suicide following the act, stating, “If I can’t have her, no one will.”

OpenAI’s safety systems flagged the content as a serious threat, prompting the company to notify federal authorities. Following an investigation, chat logs were provided to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. The victim had previously reported harassment and threats to law enforcement after ending their six-month relationship. This case serves as a rare instance where AI-generated conversation logs triggered direct police intervention.