Proponents and detractors of AI tend to agree that the technology will change the world. The likes of OpenAI’s Sam Altman see a future where humanity will flourish; critics prophesy societal disruption and excessive corporate power. Which prediction comes true depends in part on foundations laid today. Yet the recent disputes at OpenAI — including the departure of its co-founder and chief scientist — suggest key AI players have become too opaque for society to set the right course.
An index developed at Stanford University finds transparency at AI leaders Google, Amazon, Meta and OpenAI falls short of what is needed. Though AI emerged through collaboration by researchers and experts across platforms, the companies have clammed up since OpenAI’s ChatGPT ushered in a commercial AI boom. Given the potential dangers of AI, these companies need to revert to their more open past.