Anthropic · OpenAI · China · Wired · US Congress · U.S. · Decrypt
OpenAI Asks Congress Whether an AI Slowdown Would Be Legal
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OpenAI has asked members of Congress whether rival AI companies could legally agree to slow development, as its chief scientist urges the industry to establish shared safety standards.
Key facts
- The debate over slowing AI development comes as the United States and China compete for leadership in the technology
- U.S. President Donald Trump delayed an AI executive order in May over concerns it could weaken America’s lead over China
- The debate over slowing AI development surged this week after former Anthropic engineer Jacob Coxon publicly announced his resignation, citing concerns about the risks continued AI development poses
- The outreach to lawmakers follows OpenAI chief scientist Jakub Pachocki’s call for voluntary slowdowns until developers can better demonstrate their systems are safe
Summary
OpenAI has asked lawmakers whether rival AI developers could legally coordinate a slowdown, according to WIRED. Experts say funding and competitive pressures discourage companies from slowing development independently. A bill in Congress would protect certain agreements to restrict AI development to address security risks. According to WIRED, which cited people close to the company, OpenAI asked lawmakers in recent weeks whether an agreement among AI companies to slow development could violate antitrust laws.