From Condé Nast: 2024-06-04 17:52:38

Former OpenAI and Google DeepMind employees published an open letter urging AI companies to allow employees to raise concerns about AI risks without fear of retaliation. The signatories highlight potential risks like inequality, manipulation, and loss of control, calling for greater transparency and protection for whistleblowers in the tech industry.

In response to criticism about non-disclosure agreements, OpenAI removed non-disparagement clauses and equity clawback provisions from separation agreements. This move, prompted by public pressure, made it possible for former employees to speak out about concerning practices within the company, leading to the current open letter calling for AI companies to commit to principles allowing employees to raise AI risks without retaliation.

Dr. Margaret Mitchell, an AI ethics researcher, discussed the challenges faced by whistleblowers in the tech industry and emphasized the need for greater legal protection for employees who speak out against large corporations. The open letter has received support from prominent AI experts like Yoshua Bengio and Geoffrey Hinton, highlighting the urgent need for transparency, oversight, and protection for whistleblowers in the field of artificial intelligence.



Read more at Condé Nast: Ex-OpenAI staff call for “right to warn” about AI risks without retaliation