OpenAI is drawing criticism following allegations that it attempted to intimidate advocates for AI regulation. Nathan Calvin, an attorney involved in the AI policy sphere, alleges that a sheriff’s deputy was dispatched to his home on behalf of OpenAI to deliver a subpoena. The subpoena sought access to Calvin’s private communications with legislators and other individuals involved in AI oversight. Calvin interprets this action as a veiled attempt to stifle criticism under the cover of OpenAI’s ongoing legal dispute with Elon Musk. The incident occurred after Encode AI publicly questioned OpenAI’s purported nonprofit mission in light of recent corporate restructuring. The Midas Project has also reported receiving a similar subpoena. According to OpenAI’s Chief Strategy Officer, the subpoena was intended to shed light on Encode AI’s involvement in Musk’s legal challenge against the company. However, Joshua Achiam, OpenAI’s own Head of Mission Alignment, has voiced concerns about the company’s tactics, cautioning against the company becoming a “frightening power.”