Former and current employees of OpenAI are calling on the company and other artificial intelligence firms to protect whistleblowers who raise concerns about the safety risks of AI technology. In an open letter published on Tuesday, the group urged tech companies to establish stronger whistleblower protections so that researchers can voice their concerns about the development of high-performing AI systems without fear of retaliation.
The letter, signed by 13 individuals, including former OpenAI employees and current employees who chose to remain anonymous, highlights the importance of allowing employees to raise safety concerns internally and with the public. Daniel Kokotajlo, a former OpenAI employee who left the company earlier this year, expressed his disillusionment with the company’s approach to developing artificial general intelligence, stating that he lost hope in their ability to act responsibly.
OpenAI responded to the letter by stating that they already have measures in place for employees to express concerns, including an anonymous integrity hotline. The company emphasized their commitment to providing safe and capable AI systems and engaging in rigorous debate about the technology’s risks.
The letter also received support from prominent AI scientists Yoshua Bengio, Geoffrey Hinton, and Stuart Russell, who have all warned about the potential risks that future AI systems could pose to humanity. The push for whistleblower protections comes at a time when OpenAI is developing the next generation of AI technology and forming a new safety committee following the departure of key leaders.
The broader AI research community has been grappling with the risks associated with AI technology and how to balance them with commercial interests. Conflicts within the community have led to leadership changes at OpenAI and fueled distrust in the company’s direction.
The letter’s call for stronger whistleblower protections reflects a growing concern within the AI industry about the ethical implications of developing advanced AI systems. As the technology continues to evolve, ensuring transparency and accountability in AI research and development will be crucial in addressing potential risks and safeguarding against unintended consequences.