OpenAI caught funding child AI group without disclosure

One of the largest tech company, OpenAI is under fire from parents and child safety advocacy groups after it was revealed that the tech giant was providing funding support to the Parents & Kids Safe AI Coalition without disclosing the fact.

Several advocacy groups claim that they were not aware of the involvement of OpenAI in the coalition until the announcement was made.

The group reached out to child safety advocacy groups in March, asking them to support the policy proposals with the organisation. The emails sent did not disclose the involvement of OpenAI in the group.

“It’s a very grimy feeling,” said one nonprofit leader, who only learned of OpenAI’s involvement after the public announcement. At least two members later left the coalition over the issue.

The coalition’s proposals are similar to a California child safety bill supported by OpenAI, as the organisation tries to shape state-level legislation on AI use for children.

OpenAI and coalition members declared their commitment to child AI safety legislation by saying, “We are fighting for the strongest child AI safety law in the nation.”

Advocacy organisations chose to distance themselves from the coalition due to OpenAI's funding. Josh Golin, the Executive Director of FairPlay, stated, “I want them to get out of the way and let advocates and parents pass the legislation they think is best for kids.”