OpenAI economist quits, alleging that they are verging into AI Advocacy
2 days ago
- #AI Research
- #Economic Impact
- #OpenAI
- OpenAI has allegedly become more guarded about publishing research on AI's negative economic impacts.
- This shift has led to the departure of at least two employees from OpenAI's economic research team.
- Tom Cunningham left OpenAI in September, citing difficulties in publishing high-quality research due to tensions between rigorous analysis and advocacy.
- OpenAI's chief strategy officer, Jason Kwon, emphasized the company's role as a responsible leader in AI, balancing problem discussion with solution-building.
- OpenAI hired its first chief economist, Aaron Chatterji, and expanded its economic research scope.
- The company is reportedly favoring positive findings over research highlighting AI's economic downsides, such as job displacement.
- OpenAI published a report claiming its AI products save enterprise users 40-60 minutes daily, promoting AI adoption benefits.
- Former employees, like Miles Brundage, have expressed concerns over OpenAI's restrictive publishing policies.
- OpenAI's cautious stance contrasts with rival Anthropic, whose CEO warns of AI automating up to half of entry-level white-collar jobs by 2030.
- OpenAI's economic research is tightly integrated with its political and policy strategy, managed by Chatterji under chief global affairs officer Chris Lehane.