What happened to OpenAI's AI alignment team?

OpenAI disbanded its AI alignment team, which was responsible for ensuring AI safety and trustworthiness, and reassigned its members to other roles within the company.

Who is OpenAI's new Chief Futurist?

Josh Achiam, the former head of OpenAI's AI alignment team, has been appointed as the company's Chief Futurist.

What is the purpose of OpenAI's AI alignment efforts?

The AI alignment team's efforts focused on developing methodologies to ensure AI systems robustly follow human intent, avoid catastrophic behavior, and remain aligned with human values.

Home / Technology / OpenAI Disbands AI Safety Team, Leader Becomes Chief Futurist

OpenAI Disbands AI Safety Team, Leader Becomes Chief Futurist

12 Feb

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Summary

AI alignment team focused on safety was disbanded.
Former team leader appointed as Chief Futurist.
Team members reassigned to other company roles.

OpenAI Disbands AI Safety Team, Leader Becomes Chief Futurist

OpenAI has recently disbanded its dedicated AI alignment team, a unit established in September 2024. This team was tasked with ensuring AI systems operate safely, remain trustworthy, and align with human values. The broad field of AI alignment focuses on guaranteeing that AI acts in accordance with human interests, avoiding catastrophic behaviors while remaining controllable and auditable.

Josh Achiam, who formerly led the alignment team, has transitioned to the newly created position of Chief Futurist at OpenAI. In this capacity, Achiam will collaborate with other staff to study the societal impacts of artificial general intelligence (AGI) and beyond, aiming to support OpenAI's overarching mission.

A spokesperson confirmed that the approximately six to seven members of the disbanded alignment team have been reassigned to other roles within the company. While specific assignments were not detailed, it was indicated that their new roles involve similar alignment-focused work. This reorganization is described by OpenAI as a routine adjustment typical for a rapidly evolving company.