Company execs cozying up to Trump on AI policy while trying to fool CA voters
“OpenAI is trying to fool California voters by introducing a deceivingly-named ballot initiative and muddying the waters on AI chatbot safety. It’s a cynical political play that could only be cooked up by the same executives who cozy up with Trump and praise his AI policy. Fortunately, 70% of Californians are concerned about AI and want guardrails on AI tools and the companies that build them, so if OpenAI wants to light their money on fire while also cruelly thumbing their noses at the parents and children who have lost loved ones because of AI chatbots, it will only turn public opinion against them that much faster and make the case for their regulation that much stronger.” – Sacha Haworth, Executive Director, Tech Oversight California
Fast facts
OpenAI actively works against kids’ safety: Company leaders are pushing Big Tech’s new Super PAC intimidation play designed to intimidate California legislators, and are actively supporting ongoing attempts in Washington, DC to preempt any state regulation of AI safety.
OpenAI executives “cozy up to Trump” on AI policy: OpenAI executive Chris Lehane has said the company’s “work stream is intersecting with where the administration is going” and has boasted of many meetings at the White House on AI policy. Fox News has called this “cozying up” to the Trump Administration.
OpenAI knowingly sidelines safety: The Tech Oversight Project and the Midas projects’ The OpenAI Files documents evidence from over 200 sources, including testimonies from dozens of ex-employees, describing efforts to silence criticism through restrictive NDA agreements and threats to vested equity; multiple failures to live up to past safety commitments; and a pattern of prioritizing product launches over responsible development.
OpenAI knowingly endangers kids: California Attorney General Bonta sent a recent letter to OpenAI’s board demanding action and answers on accruing harms to kids, including the death of Orange Country teen Adam Raine, together with Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings.