OpenAI under fire for allegedly suppressing AI safety concerns
What's the story
OpenAI is currently under investigation for allegedly concealing potential risks associated with its technology.
The scrutiny was triggered by whistleblowers, who reported to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that the company's non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) were unlawfully preventing employees, from disclosing significant safety issues.
In a letter to OpenAI, Senator Chuck Grassley has demanded evidence from OpenAI to prove it has stopped enforcing such agreements.
Call for clarity
Senator Grassley seeks transparency from OpenAI
Grassley has insisted that OpenAI provide current employment, non-disparagement, severance, and non-disclosure agreements.
This is to ensure these contracts do not discourage employees from making protected disclosures to government regulators.
"It's not enough to simply claim you've made 'updates.' The proof is in the pudding," stated Grassley.
He emphasized that Sam Altman, the head of OpenAI, must "provide records and responses to my oversight requests so Congress can accurately assess whether OpenAI is adequately protecting its employees and users."
Unanswered queries
Company's silence on requests raises concerns
Despite Grassley's repeated requests for these records, OpenAI has not yet responded.
The company has also not answered the most recent request for documents, Grassley's spokesperson, Clare Slattery told The Washington Post.
The senator has further urged OpenAI to disclose the total number of requests it has received from workers wishing to make federal disclosures since 2023.
He is seeking information on what employees sought to disclose and whether their requests were approved by OpenAI.
Investigation details
Grassley wants information on SEC's investigations
In addition to employee disclosure requests, Grassley has asked OpenAI to confirm the number of investigations the SEC has initiated into the company since 2023.
These documents would reveal if employees are still potentially being silenced from making federal disclosures, what types of disclosures OpenAI denies, and how closely the SEC is monitoring OpenAI's apparent efforts to conceal safety risks.
"It is crucial OpenAI ensure its employees can provide protected disclosures without illegal restrictions," Grassley wrote in his letter.
Company's stance
OpenAI's response to allegations and future actions
OpenAI is yet to respond to requests for comment on the allegations. However, Altman stated that the company has taken steps to increase transparency.
"In May, we voided non-disparagement terms for current and former employees and provisions that gave OpenAI the right (although it was never used) to cancel vested equity. We've worked hard to make it right," he wrote.