Two former OpenAI researchers, Daniel Kokotajlo and William Saunders, who resigned earlier this year due to safety concerns, have expressed disappointment with OpenAI’s stance on California’s bill to prevent AI disasters, SB 1047. They believe that OpenAI is engaging in a “reckless” pursuit of dominance in the AI field, contrary to their former boss, Sam Altman’s, calls for AI regulation.
In response to Kokotajlo and Saunders’ criticisms, an OpenAI spokesperson defended the company’s position, stating that they strongly disagree with the characterization of their stance on SB 1047. The spokesperson emphasized that OpenAI has endorsed AI bills at the federal level, arguing that frontier AI safety regulations should be addressed nationally due to their implications for national security and competitiveness.
Interestingly, OpenAI’s competitor, Anthropic, has expressed support for SB 1047 while also highlighting specific concerns and proposing amendments to the bill. CEO Dario Amodei acknowledged that the benefits of the current bill likely outweigh its costs, although Anthropic stopped short of fully endorsing it.
OpenAI’s conflicting stance on AI regulation raises questions about the company’s commitment to building AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) safely. Kokotajlo and Saunders’ criticism suggests that OpenAI may be more focused on achieving dominance in the field, rather than prioritizing safety and ethical considerations.
OpenAI’s decision to oppose California’s AI disaster prevention bill has sparked debate within the AI community. While some believe that national regulations are necessary for AI safety, others argue that state-level bills like SB 1047 offer valuable insights and opportunities for improvement. As the AI industry continues to evolve, it is crucial for organizations like OpenAI to carefully consider the ethical and safety implications of their actions and prioritize the responsible development of AI technologies.