Google was once guided by the mantra “Don’t be evil,” only to later remove this phrase from its corporate code of conduct, a move that sparked widespread concern. Now, OpenAI finds itself embroiled in a similar controversy. Initially established to develop non-profit artificial general intelligence (AGI) aimed at benefiting humanity, OpenAI has, in recent years, appeared to retreat from its commitments to technological openness and ethical responsibility. In its 2023 manifesto, OpenAI vowed to create AI systems that could safely advance human well-being, unencumbered by the pursuit of financial gain. However, tax documents filed at the end of last year reveal a significant shift: the promise was altered to “ensuring artificial general intelligence benefits all of humanity,” with no explicit mention of safety and the removal of the phrase “unconstrained by profit-seeking needs.” This revision has prompted questions about the organization’s ethical commitments and even led to founder Elon Musk initiating legal action.
