Edward Snowden Accuses OpenAI of ‘Willful, Calculated Betrayal’ by Hiring Former NSA Director

OpenAI recently added retired US Army General Paul Nakasone, a former director of the National Security Agency (NSA), to its board. Edward Snowden, the whistleblower known for leaking the NSA’s surveillance secrets, expressed concerns about this appointment.

Snowden took to Twitter to warn against trusting OpenAI following the announcement of Nakasone’s appointment to the board’s new Safety and Security Committee. Despite OpenAI highlighting Nakasone’s extensive cybersecurity background, Snowden believes there are hidden agendas behind this decision.

The company hopes Nakasone will enhance its cybersecurity measures, especially in safeguarding its AI supercomputers from potential cyber threats. However, Snowden believes the move to appoint a former NSA Director is a deliberate betrayal of individual rights worldwide.

Green, a security expert, shared similar sentiments on Twitter, suggesting that AI’s primary application could be mass population surveillance, making Nakasone’s addition to OpenAI reasonable from that perspective.

OpenAI has not issued a response to Snowden’s comments. The company emphasizes the importance of cybersecurity and responsible AI development in relation to Nakasone’s role. OpenAI recognizes the potential benefits of AI for various sectors vulnerable to cyberattacks, such as hospitals, schools, and financial institutions.

While OpenAI can be compelled to disclose user information as required by law enforcement, it offers data controls to prevent user data from being exploited for AI model training purposes.

OpenAI acknowledges the significant potential of AI but is also aware of the associated cybersecurity risks. The company aims to secure its systems and protect the data entrusted to it by customers to fulfill its mission effectively.

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