OpenAI is calling for world leaders to prepare for a future shaped by advanced artificial intelligence. The company's policy paper, "Industrial Policy for the Intelligence Age: Ideas to Keep People First," argues that rapid AI advancements could necessitate new approaches to taxation, labor policy, and social protections. OpenAI warns that while AI promises increased productivity and scientific discovery, it also risks disrupting labor markets and concentrating wealth without adaptive policies.
The paper proposes treating AI access as a foundational economic resource, modernizing tax systems to account for automation, and creating mechanisms for citizens to share in AI-driven economic gains. OpenAI emphasizes that the promise of advanced AI is improved quality of life for all, with opportunities for participation and material improvements through lower costs and better services.
It also advocates for strengthening worker protections and expanding social support to mitigate job losses from technological change. Oversight tools, including auditing for frontier models and incident reporting, are also recommended to manage potential risks from advanced AI systems. OpenAI stresses that failure to ensure broad access to AI-driven opportunities would mean failing its promise.
This policy initiative occurs as OpenAI CEO Sam Altman faces scrutiny regarding the company's safety protocols and leadership. An investigation by The New Yorker revealed internal memos questioning Altman's candor with the board, which had previously led to his temporary dismissal. These events highlight deep internal divisions over governance and safety, with some emphasizing growth over the company's original safety-focused mission.