After resigning from OpenAI due to safety concerns, Daniel Kokotajlo and William Saunders have expressed their disappointment with OpenAI’s decision to oppose California’s bill to prevent AI disasters, SB 1047. They believe that the organization is engaging in a reckless pursuit of dominance in the AI field. Despite calls from their former boss, Sam Altman, for AI regulation, OpenAI has taken a stance against the proposed bill. Kokotajlo and Saunders are urging California Governor Gavin Newsom to sign the bill in order to ensure that appropriate regulations are put in place to prevent AI disasters and allow OpenAI to fulfill its mission of building AGI safely.
In response to the concerns raised by the former employees, an OpenAI spokesperson has stated that the organization strongly disagrees with the portrayal of their position on SB 1047. OpenAI has endorsed AI bills in Congress and believes that regulation of frontier AI technologies should be implemented at the federal level to address national security and competitiveness concerns. Despite the pushback from former employees and other critics, OpenAI remains committed to advocating for responsible AI development at the federal level.
Anthropic’s Support for the Bill and Call for Amendments
On the other hand, OpenAI rival Anthropic has expressed support for California’s AI safety bill while also highlighting specific concerns and requesting amendments. The company’s CEO, Dario Amodei, has communicated with Governor Newsom to emphasize that the benefits of the current bill likely outweigh its costs. While not fully endorsing the bill, Anthropic recognizes the importance of regulatory measures to ensure the safe and ethical development of AI technologies.
The debate surrounding California’s AI safety bill reflects larger discussions about the regulation and oversight of AI technologies. As the capabilities of AI continue to advance rapidly, it is crucial for policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers to collaborate on developing thoughtful and effective regulatory frameworks. While differing opinions exist on the best approach to AI regulation, it is clear that ensuring the safety and ethical use of AI should be a top priority for all stakeholders in the field. By engaging in constructive dialogue and considering a variety of perspectives, we can work towards a future where AI technologies enhance human well-being and societal progress while minimizing potential risks and harms.