Caitlin Kalinowski, head of robotics and consumer hardware at OpenAI, has resigned citing concerns over the company's agreement with the Department of Defense. Kalinowski expressed that OpenAI did not sufficiently consider the implications before agreeing to deploy its AI models on classified Pentagon networks.
She stated that while AI has a role in national security, concerns about "surveillance of Americans without judicial oversight and lethal autonomy without human authorization" require more deliberation. Kalinowski emphasized that the deal was announced "without the guardrails defined," calling it a "governance concern" that should not be rushed.
OpenAI previously stated that the agreement includes safeguards and reiterated that its technology will not be used for domestic surveillance or autonomous weapons. The company plans to continue engaging in discussions with various stakeholders on these issues.