In mid-March, the Parents & Kids Safe AI Coalition, largely funded by OpenAI, reached out to national child safety organizations requesting endorsements for AI policy priorities. These included suggestions like age verification and parental controls. However, many recipients were unaware of OpenAI’s funding role. Concerns emerged as some nonprofit leaders discovered OpenAI’s hidden involvement, leading two groups to withdraw from the coalition. Critics argue OpenAI is manipulating the narrative around AI safety regulations to favor its interests. Various child safety advocates have refused to collaborate, asserting that OpenAI should not dictate child safety measures. Despite past opposition to similar regulations, OpenAI’s new strategy includes presenting itself as a supporter of child safety legislation while attempting to shape policies. This has raised “astroturfing” concerns, with experts asserting that the coalition’s lack of transparency misleads community groups. Conversations with California legislators have begun, though engagement with coalition members remains unclear.
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