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OpenAI has recently backed several important Senate bills that could significantly influence the U.S. government’s approach to artificial intelligence.
On Tuesday, OpenAI endorsed three Senate bills aimed at establishing a robust framework for AI governance. One notable bill, the Future of AI Innovation Act, seeks to officially establish the U.S. AI Safety Institute as a federal entity responsible for setting standards and guidelines for AI technologies.
Anna Makanju, OpenAI’s Vice President of Global Affairs, expressed support for the bill in a LinkedIn post, emphasizing its importance for ensuring the safe development and deployment of AI systems. “We have consistently supported the mission of the institute, which leads the U.S. government’s efforts to ensure that frontier AI systems are developed and deployed safely,” Makanju said. She noted that the bill would provide essential Congressional backing for the institute, aimed at mitigating the potential risks associated with emerging technologies.
In addition to the Future of AI Innovation Act, OpenAI has also endorsed the NSF AI Education Act and the CREATE AI Act. These bills focus on providing federal scholarships for AI research and establishing AI educational resources in both higher education and K-12 settings.
So why is OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, making these endorsements now? According to Makanju’s LinkedIn post, OpenAI believes that the government plays a crucial role in ensuring AI remains safe and accessible. However, as a leading entity in generative AI with an $86 billion valuation—bolstered by partnerships with Microsoft and Apple—OpenAI is likely to face increased regulatory scrutiny. Endorsing these bills helps OpenAI build goodwill with lawmakers and secure a seat at the table for future discussions on AI regulation.
An OpenAI spokesperson directed TechCrunch to Makanju’s LinkedIn post for additional comments.
Earlier this week, OpenAI joined several prominent companies, including Microsoft, Meta, Palantir, and Amazon, in signing a letter supporting the AI Safety Institute. Under the Future of AI Innovation Act, the institute is tasked with collaborating with both public and private entities to develop AI standards and create curated datasets for public use, which are less likely to be generated by private companies.
The timing of OpenAI’s endorsements is strategic, as two of these bills are scheduled for discussion in an Executive Session on Wednesday morning. This move reflects the ongoing efforts by OpenAI and other AI firms to align themselves with lawmakers who will shape the future of AI regulation.
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