OpenAI has announced that retired General Paul Nakasone, the former head of the National Security Agency (NSA), will join its board of directors. In addition to this role, he will also be part of the board’s “security and safety” subcommittee.
This high-profile addition appears to be a response to critics who have raised concerns about OpenAI‘s rapid development pace. Critics worry that the company may not be adequately assessing the risks associated with its AI models and services before releasing them.
Bringing Deep Expertise
With a background spanning leadership positions in the Army, U.S. Cyber Command, and the NSA, Nakasone brings significant expertise to OpenAI. Regardless of one’s views on these organizations’ practices, his qualifications are extensive and relevant.
As OpenAI positions itself as a key AI provider to the tech industry, government, defense sectors, and major enterprises, Nakasone’s experience and connections within state and military spheres are highly beneficial. This appointment also serves to reassure shareholders concerned about the company’s swift progress.
“OpenAI’s dedication to its mission aligns closely with my own values and experience in public service,” Nakasone said in a press release. His recent defense of the NSA’s data acquisition practices, despite their controversial nature, aligns with OpenAI’s own practices of harvesting large amounts of internet data under the justification of ambiguous legal restrictions.
Enhancing Cybersecurity
OpenAI highlighted that Nakasone’s knowledge will support its initiatives to leverage AI in bolstering cybersecurity. The goal is to improve the detection and response to cyber threats, particularly benefiting sectors frequently targeted by cyber attacks such as healthcare, education, and finance.
Nakasone will serve on the safety and security committee, which advises the board on critical safety and security matters concerning OpenAI’s projects and operations. The specifics of this committee’s operations remain uncertain, especially as several senior safety experts have recently left the company. The committee is currently undergoing a 90-day evaluation of the company’s processes and safeguards.
