December 30, 2024:
Nonprofit Challenges OpenAIs For-Profit Transition - Encode, a nonprofit, has joined Elon Musk's legal actions to oppose OpenAI's shift to a for-profit model, arguing that it undermines public safety objectives. Supported by AI experts Geoffrey Hinton and Stuart Russell, Encode filed an amicus brief claiming the change prioritizes financial gains over safety concerns. OpenAI intends to become a Delaware Public Benefit Corporation with a capped profit scheme, but critics warn this could weaken its mission-driven commitments.
Meta also backs efforts to block OpenAI's shift, citing potential negative impacts across Silicon Valley. Encode emphasizes that the public interest is at risk if OpenAI compromises its original philanthropic mission.
