OpenAI, founded in 2015, is a company at the forefront of artificial intelligence and its applications to improve the world. Led by CEO Sam Altman, OpenAI has become one of the most successful venture capitalists in the industry, with a mission to build safe and effective AI technologies and regulate their use appropriately.
Recently, the company has come under fire in Europe for its plans to operate within the region and how that will be impacted by the EU’s proposed AI Act. In response, Altman clarified that the company does plan to remain in the EU, and will work to comply with the law as best they can.
Altman has also been vocal about the need for increased regulations for AI in the US. He proposed a five point plan to Congress, which includes increasing transparency of AI models, requiring safety measures when using AI for critical infrastructure, and providing guidelines concerning AI companies’ use of data.
Microsoft has recently joined in the debate, in a move to put themselves ahead of other companies in the AI industry. During a LinkedIn livestream, Microsoft President Brad Smith proposed the creation of a new agency to oversee AI regulations in the US. He also suggested the need for a strong AI Act that would regulate AI systems that could be used to influence elections.
OpenAI has taken a different approach. The company has launched a grant initiative to fund research into how democracy can be applied to address questions and decide rules around AI. OpenAI will give out 10, $100,000 grants to groups to come up with proof-of-concepts for a democratic process in AI regulation.
Overall, OpenAI’s efforts are aiming to bring about more awareness of ethical AI and push forward regulations and oversight, which will ultimately benefit both AI companies and the people affected by their use. In doing so, OpenAI is working not only to stay on the leading edge of the tech industry, but ensure the ethical use of artificial intelligence for the greater good.
