Prominent AI research lab OpenAI has quietly reversed its commitment to disclose key documents to the public, according to recent reports. Since its establishment in 2015, OpenAI has presented itself as a nonprofit organization dedicated to involving society and the public in the development of powerful AI technologies. OpenAI’s reports to US tax authorities have consistently stated that members of the public could access copies of its governing documents, financial statements, and conflict-of-interest rules.
However, when technology publication WIRED requested these records, OpenAI revealed that its policy had changed. The company provided only a narrow financial statement that excluded most of its operations. OpenAI spokesperson Niko Felix stated that the company’s practices were aligned with industry standards, which now include not publicly distributing internal documents since 2022.
The decision by OpenAI to abandon its long-standing transparency pledge raises concerns about the lack of access to information that could shed light on recent developments within the company. In November, OpenAI’s board ousted CEO Sam Altman, citing concerns about his trustworthiness and the potential endangerment of the company’s mission to ensure AI benefits all of humanity. However, a subsequent employee and investor revolt led to Altman’s reinstatement and the replacement of most board members. The new board vowed to review the crisis and implement structural changes to regain stakeholders’ trust.
Access to OpenAI’s conflict-of-interest policy could provide insights into the board’s authority over Altman and his involvement in external ventures. Altman’s personal investments in numerous AI startups and a nuclear reactor maker had caused some distrust among board members, according to insiders. In 2019, OpenAI signed a nonbinding letter of intent to purchase $51 million worth of AI chips from Rain, a startup Altman had invested over $1 million in. Although no purchase has been made, Altman reportedly adheres to a process for managing potential conflicts and remains transparent with the board regarding his investments.
Examining OpenAI’s governing documents could reveal whether revisions have been made to stabilize the company’s unique corporate structure and appease backers like Microsoft. The company’s founding bylaws, publicly available through its 2016 application for tax-exempt status, outline mechanisms through which a fraction of the board could gain control and remove Altman. OpenAI’s filings to the Internal Revenue Service until 2022 indicate no significant changes to its governing documents. However, it is highly likely that updates were made following Altman’s reinstatement to allow for Microsoft’s inclusion on the nonprofit board. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella publicly expressed surprise at Altman’s initial firing. The details of any additional changes made at that time remain undisclosed.
In conclusion, OpenAI’s decision to retract its promise of transparency obscures critical information that could provide valuable insights into the company’s recent turmoil and vulnerabilities. Disclosure of its governing documents and conflict-of-interest policy might shed light on the relationship between the board and Altman, as well as any revisions made to stabilize the company’s structure and address concerns raised by stakeholders.
