San Francisco, California – Two former OpenAI board members are urging governments to regulate artificial intelligence companies, arguing that self-governance is no longer sufficient for accountability in the industry. Helen Toner and Tasha McCauley, who were among the few women on the OpenAI board, left the company in November amid controversy surrounding the reinstatement of CEO Sam Altman.
In an op-ed for The Economist, Toner and McCauley criticized Altman for creating a “toxic culture of lying” and engaging in behavior that could be considered psychological abuse. They believe that OpenAI’s experiment in self-governance is at risk given recent developments, including the departure of senior safety-focused talent and Altman’s reinstatement to the board.
The former board members argue that for OpenAI to fulfill its mission of benefiting all of humanity, government intervention is necessary to establish effective regulatory frameworks. They no longer believe that self-governance can withstand profit incentives in the industry.
Toner and McCauley emphasized the need for policymakers to act independently of leading AI companies in developing regulations to avoid hindering competition and innovation. They also highlighted concerns over industry influence in government decision-making processes, particularly in the context of AI safety and security.
Recently, the Department of Homeland Security announced the formation of the Artificial Intelligence Safety and Security Board, which includes Altman and other tech industry CEOs. However, critics have raised concerns about the overrepresentation of for-profit companies on the board and the potential for policies that prioritize industry interests over human safety.
As discussions around AI regulation continue to evolve, experts in AI ethics stress the importance of centering people over technology to ensure the safe and responsible use of artificial intelligence. The debate over government intervention in AI governance is likely to intensify as concerns about industry influence and accountability mount.