Two former OpenAI researchers, Daniel Kokotajlo and William Saunders, who left the company earlier this year due to safety concerns, have voiced their disappointment and frustration with OpenAI’s opposition to California’s AI safety bill, SB 1047. The ex-employees have raised concerns about the company’s current direction. Former employees express disappointment over OpenAI’s stance against SB 1047, sharing their concerns about its direction.
OpenAI Public Call for Regulation Contradicted by Opposition to State-Level Bill
Kokotajlo and Saunders highlighted a perceived contradiction in CEO Sam Altman’s actions, pointing out that despite his public calls for AI regulation, he opposes tangible regulatory efforts at the state level. In a letter shared with Politico, they urge California Governor Gavin Newsom to sign the bill, stating, “With appropriate regulation, we hope OpenAI may yet live up to its mission statement of building AGI safely.”
OpenAI Defends Its Position: Advocates for Federal Over State-Level AI Regulations
In response to the criticisms from its former employees, a spokesperson clarified the company’s position, stating that AI “strongly disagrees with the mischaracterization of our position on SB 1047.” The spokesperson emphasized that OpenAI supports the regulation of AI but believes that safety measures should be implemented at the federal level due to their broader implications for national security and international competitiveness.
Anthropic’s Conditional Support for California’s AI Bill Amid Amendments
Meanwhile, OpenAI’s rival, Anthropic, has expressed a more nuanced stance on the California bill. While not fully endorsing SB 1047, Anthropic has supported its intent and highlighted specific concerns, requesting amendments to the legislation. With several amendments incorporated, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei recently wrote to Governor Newsom, acknowledging that the “benefits likely outweigh its costs,” signaling cautious support for the bill’s current version. Former employees express disappointment over OpenAI’s stance against SB 1047, sharing their concerns about its direction.
