Two former OpenAI researchers, William Saunders and Daniel Kokotajlo, have expressed concern about OpenAI’s opposition to the California proposal AI Safety BillSB 1047, which includes provisions for strict security protocols and a “kill switch” for AI systems. In a letter shared with Politico and addressed to California Gov. Gavin Newsom and other lawmakers, Saunders and Kokotajlo criticized OpenAI’s stance, stating that while the company publicly supports AI regulation, it opposes specific legislative initiatives like SB 1047.
The researchers, who resigned from OpenAI over concerns about the company’s commitment to safe and responsible AI development, argue that the bill’s safeguards are crucial to preventing catastrophic harm caused by powerful AI systems. They highlight a disconnect between OpenAI’s CEO Sam AltmanOpenAI’s public advocacy for AI regulation and opposition to specific regulatory actions, such as SB 1047, suggests that Saunders and Kokotajlo suggest that OpenAI’s objections to the bill are not made in good faith and do not constructively contribute to the conversation about AI safety.
OpenAI, via a spokesperson statement and a letter from chief strategy officer Jason Kwon to Business Insider, has defended its position on SB 1047. The company argues that while it supports some of the bill’s security provisions, AI regulation should be handled at the federal level rather than through state legislation. OpenAI believes a unified federal approach would better foster innovation and allow the US to lead the development of global AI standards. Kwon’s letter, addressed to California Sen. Scott Wiener, who introduced the bill, emphasized the potential national security implications of AI development as a reason for federal-level rather than state-level regulation.
However, Saunders and Kokotajlo are not convinced by OpenAI’s reasoning. They highlight the urgency of implementing safety regulations for AI and argue that waiting for Congress to act is not a viable option, as federal lawmakers have shown reluctance to pass meaningful AI legislation. They urge the California Legislature and Governor Newsom to pass SB 1047, believing that with proper regulation, OpenAI can still fulfill its mission of safely developing artificial general intelligence (AGI).
“Sam Altman“Our former boss has repeatedly called for AI to be regulated,” the researchers wrote in a letter that was initially shared with Politico. The letter also urges California Governor Gavin Newsom to sign the bill. “Now, when real regulation is on the table, he opposes it.” The researchers also state that “with proper regulation, we hope OpenAI can deliver on its mission statement of building an AI safely.”
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