Two former OpenAI researchers, Daniel Kokotajlo and William Saunders, who resigned this year due to safety concerns, have expressed disappointment with OpenAI’s decision to oppose California’s bill, SB 1047. They have warned that OpenAI is engaging in a “reckless” race for dominance and are calling for appropriate regulation to ensure the safe development of AGI. Despite their concerns, OpenAI has chosen to challenge the proposed bill, leading to a public disagreement between the former employees and the startup.
In response to the criticism from the former employees, an OpenAI spokesperson refuted the claims of mischaracterization regarding their stance on SB 1047. The spokesperson highlighted OpenAI’s endorsement of AI bills in Congress and emphasized the need for federal-level regulations to address the national security and competitiveness implications of frontier AI technologies. While OpenAI acknowledges the importance of AI regulation, they argue that it should be implemented on a broader scale to effectively address the risks associated with advanced AI systems.
Meanwhile, OpenAI’s competitor Anthropic has voiced support for California’s bill while also raising specific concerns and requesting amendments. Despite their initial reservations, Anthropic acknowledges that the benefits of the current bill likely outweigh the potential costs, signaling a more balanced approach to regulating AI development. CEO Dario Amodei has communicated with Governor Gavin Newsom, indicating a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue to improve the proposed legislation and address the complexities of AI safety and governance.
The debate surrounding OpenAI’s opposition to SB 1047 reflects broader discussions within the AI research community about the need for comprehensive regulations to guide the development of advanced artificial intelligence. As companies like OpenAI and Anthropic race to achieve breakthroughs in AGI, the role of government oversight and industry collaboration becomes increasingly vital. The differing perspectives on how to balance innovation with safety underscore the challenges of navigating the ethical and practical considerations of AI technology.
The clash between former OpenAI researchers, OpenAI itself, and other stakeholders over California’s AI disaster bill highlights the complex landscape of AI policy and governance. While differing opinions on the best approach to regulation exist, it is clear that all parties share a common goal of promoting the responsible and ethical development of artificial intelligence. The ongoing debate serves as a reminder of the urgent need for industry leaders, policymakers, and researchers to collaborate in shaping the future of AI in a way that benefits society as a whole.