Two Former OpenAI Researchers Speak Out Against Company’s Opposition to AI Safety Bill

Former employees express disappointment and distrust in OpenAI’s stance on California legislation.

In a letter shared with Politico, two former OpenAI researchers, William Saunders and Daniel Kokotajlo, have voiced their disapproval of the company’s opposition to SB 1047, a proposed California bill that aims to implement stringent safety protocols in the development of AI. The researchers argue that OpenAI’s stance is both disappointing and unsurprising.

“We joined OpenAI because we wanted to ensure the safety of the incredibly powerful AI systems the company is developing,” Saunders and Kokotajlo wrote in the letter. “But we resigned from OpenAI because we lost trust that it would safely, honestly, and responsibly develop its AI systems.”

According to the researchers, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has publicly supported the concept of AI regulation, but “when actual regulation is on the table, he opposes it.” They contest that the company’s objections to SB 1047, which include concerns about national security implications, are not constructive and lack sincerity.

Saunders and Kokotajlo emphasize the urgent need for AI regulation, arguing that waiting for Congress to act is not feasible. They urge the California Legislature and Governor Newsom to pass SB 1047 into law, expressing their hope that OpenAI may still live up to its mission of building AGI safely with appropriate regulation.

OpenAI has responded to the researchers’ letter, stating that it strongly disagrees with the mischaracterization of its position on SB 1047. The company supports some of the bill’s safety provisions but believes that AI regulation should be shaped and implemented at the federal level to foster innovation and establish global standards.

The debate over AI regulation is expected to continue as lawmakers and experts grapple with the complex challenges and opportunities posed by this rapidly advancing technology.