OpenAI has deleted the word 'safely' from its mission (theconversation.com)

Article summary

OpenAI has removed the word 'safely' from its mission statement, which has raised concerns about the company's priorities regarding the safety of its products. This change occurred as the company transitioned from a nonprofit to a for-profit business, seeking to attract more investment. The new structure includes a nonprofit foundation and a for-profit public benefit corporation, with the foundation owning about one-fourth of the stock in the for-profit entity. The change has sparked debate about the balance between profits and safety in the development of artificial intelligence.

Main themes

• AI safety
• Corporate governance
• Nonprofit to for-profit transition
• Investment and funding
• Artificial intelligence ethics
• Regulatory oversight

What commenters say

• The removal of 'safely' from OpenAI's mission statement suggests that the company is prioritizing profits over safety.
• The change in mission statement may be a strategic move to avoid liability and lawsuits related to the safety of OpenAI's products.
• The transition to a for-profit model may lead to a decrease in safety standards as the company focuses on generating revenue.
• Some argue that the emphasis on safety is still present in OpenAI's mission, despite the removal of the word 'safely', and that the company is still committed to responsible AI development.
• The AI industry is engaged in an arms race, where companies must prioritize speed and innovation over safety in order to remain competitive.
• The removal of 'safely' from the mission statement is seen as a red flag, indicating that OpenAI is no longer prioritizing the well-being of its users.
• Others argue that the change in mission statement is not significant, and that OpenAI's commitment to safety is still evident in its actions and products.
• The debate surrounding OpenAI's mission statement reflects a broader concern about the balance between profits and safety in the development of artificial intelligence.