Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, recently announced a commitment of “up to $2 million” for AI safety and mental health research. While this may seem generous, critics label it as “grantwashing,” a tactic used by tech firms to superficially address concerns while providing minimal funding that undermines effective research. OpenAI’s allocation of $5,000 to $100,000 per project significantly undercuts the typical National Institutes of Mental Health grant of $642,918, raising questions about its commitment to genuine inquiry into the mental health impacts of AI. The announcement follows legal disputes over AI’s role in tragic incidents, prompting calls for more rigorous investigations. Experts argue that meaningful research requires accessible data and substantial funding, akin to the Human Genome Project’s model, which allocated a portion of its budget for ethical oversight. They assert that without real investment in independent safety science, the public and policymakers won’t receive the crucial insights needed on the mental health effects of AI.
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