OpenAI: Transparency and Independence Amid Political Pressures

The Importance of Diversity in AI Governance

OpenAI emphasizes that artificial intelligence is on track to become one of the most influential technologies of our time. Current decisions regarding its governance will have lasting repercussions. The company insists that the future of AI must be shaped by a diverse set of stakeholders, including governments, researchers, workers, civil society, independent experts, and the public. This approach aims to prevent any single company or organization from dominating the debate.

Companies like OpenAI, which develop this technology, have a responsibility to be clear about their values, political positions, and how they advocate for them.

A Distinct Approach to Politics

In the current context where AI policy is increasingly prominent in public debates, many tech companies have established political action committees (PACs) to influence these discussions. However, OpenAI has chosen not to take this route. The company has neither created an employee-funded PAC nor made donations to super PACs, political candidates, or campaigns. OpenAI is committed to transparently informing the public if this approach were to change.

AI policy has become a more significant part of the political debate, with a growing ecosystem of external groups working to shape it.

Personal Participation of Employees

OpenAI allows its employees to engage personally in the political process, whether through donations or by advising candidates and political organizations. These actions are taken in a personal capacity and do not reflect the company's positions. OpenAI wants to clarify that the personal political activities of its employees are distinct from its own positions.

Clarification on Leading the Future

Questions have been raised regarding the organization Leading the Future (LTF), supported by Greg Brockman, president and co-founder of OpenAI, and his wife Anna. OpenAI specifies that this support is provided in a personal capacity and not on behalf of the company. OpenAI is not involved in LTF's activities and has no visibility into their operations.

Commitment to Transparent AI Policy

OpenAI insists that no external political group represents its views. The company wants its political positions to be judged based on its public statements and actions. It advocates for thoughtful regulation of AI, rigorous testing of powerful systems, strict safety standards, public accountability, and broader access to the benefits of AI. OpenAI is committed to promoting these ideas in a direct and transparent manner, rejecting practices like astroturfing that could mislead policymakers and the public.

We believe that AI policy is too consequential to be treated as just another front in partisan politics. Groups advocating for AI must be clear about their political positions and honest about whom they represent.