Why did OpenAI remove safety language from its mission?

OpenAI removed safety language from its mission statement as part of a restructuring that shifted its focus towards a for-profit model, allowing investors to share in profits.

What are the concerns about OpenAI's restructuring?

Concerns exist that OpenAI's shift to a for-profit structure, with investors on the board, may lead to prioritizing financial returns over the safety of its artificial intelligence products.

How has OpenAI's mission statement evolved?

OpenAI's mission statement has been revised multiple times since its founding, with the latest Form 990 filing in 2025 notably omitting explicit references to safety, despite continued online mentions of safety in its mission.

Home / Technology / OpenAI Cans Safety: Profits Now Top Mission

OpenAI Cans Safety: Profits Now Top Mission

24 Feb

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Summary

OpenAI removed safety language from its mission statement.
The company restructured to prioritize profit for investors.
Concerns rise over potential de-emphasis of AI safety measures.

OpenAI Cans Safety: Profits Now Top Mission

OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, has restructured, removing safety language from its mission statement. This change, noted in its latest IRS Form 990 filed in November 2025 for the 2024 financial year, reflects a shift from its nonprofit status to a more for-profit model. Investors now hold board positions and receive a share of profits.

Scholars like Tufts University professor Alnoor Ebrahim express concern that this restructuring signals a prioritization of profits over safety. Ebrahim views OpenAI's transformation as a societal test case for overseeing powerful AI organizations. He notes that the mission statement's deletion of safety references makes holding boards accountable for product safety more challenging.