As the advancement of AI takes sharp turns and unexpected leaps, perhaps far faster than legislation can catch up, several employees from OpenAI and Google DeepMind are pushing against the lack of legislation in AI.
OpenAI and Google are the current market leaders in AI research and advancement, and these employees are concerned that the lack of oversight could be detrimental to all people.
Thus, they have issued a public statement asking for protection from retaliation when sharing concerns about serious risks associated with AI that these companies are developing.
The employees, through a letter to the public titled A Right to Warn about Advanced Artificial Intelligence, stated that they wanted to be able to speak up on concerns surrounding Artificial Intelligence companies, which they feel lack oversight.
The employees have expressed concerns about AI companies’ lack of government oversight and that they must sign broad confidentiality agreements to air their concerns.
They also called for a review of whistleblower protections, as they felt they did not apply to them because they focused more on protecting whistleblowers from uncovering illegal activities.
The employees have also raised concerns about the non-disparaging agreements, which are tied to their equity in the companies they work for, thus potentially limiting their ability to speak up on issues around AI.
Proposed Solutions
The employees have proposed several solutions to resolve the issues. One is to release employees from the potentially prohibitive non-disparaging agreement.
Then, they also want companies to develop anonymous systems through which employees can air their concerns.
They also want companies to stop retaliation against current and former employees who have spoken up against the company.
OpenAI on the Spot
The letter hits the public when OpenAI is in the spotlight for concerns around safeguarding AI, why the company has been experiencing a series of staff departures, and why it dissolved one of its safety teams.
OpenAI is also in trouble for allegedly using actress Scarlette Johansson’s voice likeness without her consent in their new voice AI.
However, in response to these allegations, OpenAI has reiterated that it is committed to the safety of its employees and the development of AI.