OpenAI is assembling a global team of lobbyists to engage with politicians and regulators who are increasing their scrutiny of powerful artificial intelligence.
The San Francisco-based start-up, as reported by the Financial Times, has grown its global affairs team from three members at the beginning of 2023 to 35, with plans to reach 50 by the end of 2024.
This move comes as governments worldwide are exploring and debating AI safety legislation that could potentially hinder OpenAI’s growth and the advancement of its state-of-the-art models, which are foundational to products like ChatGPT.
Anna Makanju, OpenAI’s vice-president of government affairs, emphasized that the company’s goal is not purely profit-driven but focused on ensuring that artificial general intelligence (AGI) benefits humanity as a whole.
Although the global affairs team is a small fraction of OpenAI’s 1,200 employees, it is strategically based in locations where AI legislation is prominent, including Belgium, the UK, Ireland, France, Singapore, India, Brazil, and the US.
Compared to its Big Tech counterparts, OpenAI is behind in lobbying efforts. Meta, for example, spent $7.6 million on engaging with the US government in the first quarter of the year, while Google spent $3.1 million and OpenAI spent $340,000.
The company’s lobbyists mainly concentrate on AI legislation rather than handling regulatory matters. OpenAI was involved in discussions around the EU’s AI Act and advocated against certain provisions that would impact its models.
Since the EU’s approval of the AI law, OpenAI has bolstered its team with experienced hires to navigate regulatory challenges, including Chris Lehane, previously at Airbnb, and Jakob Kucharczyk, a former competition lead at Meta.
OpenAI has been engaging in discussions with policymakers globally regarding its Voice Engine model, tailoring its releases to address concerns over potential misuse during elections.
One of the primary concerns for OpenAI is ensuring that regulations remain flexible and adaptable to new technological advancements, distancing itself from the negative perceptions often associated with Silicon Valley companies.
Despite criticisms from some industry figures about its lobbying strategy, OpenAI remains focused on its mission of ensuring safe and beneficial technology innovations.
Additional reporting by Madhumita Murgia in London
