OpenAI Employee Resigns, Claiming Company’s Economic Research Is Shifting Toward AI Promotion

OpenAI has reportedly become increasingly cautious about disseminating research that underscores the potential adverse effects of AI on the economy, according to four individuals familiar with the situation who spoke to WIRED.

This perceived shift has reportedly led to the resignation of at least two members from OpenAI’s economic research team in recent months, as per the same four sources, who requested anonymity when discussing the matter with WIRED.

One of those individuals, Tom Cunningham, completely departed from the company in September after finding it increasingly challenging to publish substantial research, WIRED has learned. In an internal farewell message, Cunningham noted that the team was experiencing mounting friction between carrying out thorough analysis and operating as a de facto advocacy group for OpenAI, according to insiders.

Cunningham opted not to comment when approached by WIRED.

OpenAI chief strategy officer Jason Kwon addressed these issues in an internal memo after Cunningham’s exit. In a version of the message acquired by WIRED, Kwon emphasized that OpenAI should serve as a responsible leader in the AI field, not only pointing out the challenges posed by the technology but also “building the solutions.”

“My perspective on difficult topics is not that we shouldn’t discuss them,” Kwon expressed via Slack. “Instead, because we are more than just a research organization, but also a prominent player in the world (indeed, the leading player) that brings the subject of inquiry (AI) into existence, we are expected to take responsibility for the consequences.”

In a statement to WIRED, OpenAI spokesperson Rob Friedlander indicated that the company appointed its first chief economist, Aaron Chatterji, last year, and has broadened the focus of its economic research since then.

“The economic research team conducts thorough analysis to aid OpenAI, policymakers, and the public in understanding how AI is being utilized and how it influences the wider economy, including where benefits are surfacing and where societal impacts or disruptions may develop as the technology progresses,” Friedlander said.

This perceived transition coincides with OpenAI strengthening its multibillion-dollar partnerships with companies and governments, solidifying its role as a significant player in the global economic landscape. Experts believe that the technology being developed by OpenAI has the potential to revolutionize work processes, although there are still major uncertainties about when these changes will occur and the extent of their impact on individuals and global markets.

Since 2016, OpenAI has consistently published research on how its systems could alter labor dynamics and has shared data with external economists. In 2023, it co-authored “GPTs Are GPTs,” a widely referenced paper exploring which sectors are likely to be most at risk from automation. However, over the past year, two sources claim that the company has grown more hesitant to publish work highlighting the economic drawbacks of AI—such as job loss—and has leaned towards sharing more positive findings.