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OpenAI and Google DeepMind workers are now authors of a new open letter, citing concerns as to the safety of whistleblowers and safety of new AI technologies.
Open Letter Warns of AI Industry Risks
A group of current and former employees from leading AI companies, including OpenAI and Google DeepMind, issued an open letter highlighting the lack of safety oversight within the industry and advocating for enhanced protections for whistleblowers. The letter, signed by thirteen individuals, emphasises the need for a “right to warn about artificial intelligence” and criticises the industry’s inadequate transparency and accountability measures. It calls for AI companies to share critical information with governments and civil society to ensure public safety and ethical standards are maintained.
OpenAI’s Defense and Industry Response
In response to the letter, OpenAI defended its practices, citing existing channels like a tip line for reporting issues and its commitment to not releasing new technology without appropriate safeguards. An OpenAI spokesperson asserted the company’s dedication to developing safe and capable AI systems and emphasised the importance of rigorous debate on the technology’s risks. However, Google did not immediately comment on the letter. The call for transparency follows reports of restrictive non-disparagement agreements at OpenAI, which CEO Sam Altman has promised to amend.
Urgency of Regulatory Oversight
The open letter arrives amidst growing concerns over the rapid advancements in AI technology and its potential harms. Current and former employees argue that, in the absence of effective government oversight, they are uniquely positioned to hold AI companies accountable. The letter outlines four principles for increased transparency, including protections against confidentiality agreements that stifle whistleblowing. The departure of key OpenAI figures, such as co-founder Ilya Sutskever and safety researcher Jan Leike, has intensified scrutiny on the company’s commitment to safety.
Read the full story on The Guardian
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