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A coalition of experts, including former OpenAI staff, is voicing strong opposition to the company’s planned restructuring, asserting that it threatens its original commitment to prioritize the benefit of humanity. In an open letter addressed to the Attorneys General of California and Delaware, the group, consisting of legal scholars, AI researchers, and representatives from the non-profit sector, argues that the proposed transition to a Delaware public benefit corporation (PBC) would significantly weaken vital governance mechanisms.

Founded as a non-profit, OpenAI’s initial aim was to ensure that artificial general intelligence (AGI) is developed and deployed in a way that benefits all of humanity, rather than serving narrow commercial interests. Critics fear that the restructuring would effectively transfer control of AGI development from an organization driven by its mission to a for-profit entity primarily accountable to its shareholders.

The letter emphasizes the potential loss of crucial safeguards, including non-profit oversight, limitations on profits, an independent board of directors, and a fiduciary responsibility solely to the non-profit’s mission. These critics argue that adopting a PBC structure could lead to the prioritization of shareholder value over the company’s original mission, erode public accountability, potentially lift the cap on profits, and ultimately transfer control of AGI to the PBC and its investors.

While OpenAI cites competitive pressures as justification for the restructuring, the letter counters that competitive advantage should not be pursued at the expense of the very safeguards put in place to ensure the company remains true to its original mission. The signatories are urging intervention to halt the restructuring, preserve non-profit control, and guarantee board independence. They also demand answers from OpenAI regarding how the restructuring serves its mission and why safeguards once deemed essential are now viewed as obstacles. In essence, the coalition believes the proposed changes would place control of a potentially transformative technology in the hands of a for-profit entity prioritizing shareholder returns.

This controversy comes at a time of increasing public and regulatory scrutiny of AI development and its potential impact on society. Read more about AI ethics and societal impact:
[Link to AI Judgement Article]

[Link to AI and Big Data Expo]