NewKerala.com Logo

OpenAI continues to be overseen and controlled by nonprofit: Sam Altman

IANS May 6, 2025 579 views

OpenAI has announced a significant corporate restructuring that preserves its nonprofit core mission while transitioning its for-profit arm to a Public Benefit Corporation. Sam Altman emphasized the company's commitment to developing AI that benefits humanity broadly, not just select interests. The nonprofit will continue to control and oversee the organization, ensuring alignment with its original ethical goals. This strategic move positions OpenAI to expand its impact while maintaining its fundamental commitment to responsible AI development.

"Creating AGI is our brick in the path of human progress" - Sam Altman"
OpenAI continues to be overseen and controlled by nonprofit: Sam Altman
New Delhi, May 6: Sam Altman-run OpenAI will continue to be overseen and controlled by the nonprofit and its 'for profit LLC' will transition to a public benefit corporation (PBC), giving the nonprofit better resources to support several benefits, the company has announced.

Key Points

1

OpenAI maintains nonprofit oversight through strategic corporate transition

2

PBC structure allows continued mission-focused AI development

3

Nonprofit will retain large shareholder control

4

Aim to democratize AI across critical societal sectors

OpenAI was founded as a nonprofit, and is today overseen and controlled by that nonprofit.

"Going forward, it will continue to be overseen and controlled by that nonprofit. Our for-profit LLC, which has been under the nonprofit since 2019, will transition to a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC)-a purpose-driven company structure that has to consider the interests of both shareholders and the mission," the ChatGPT maker said in a statement.

The nonprofit will control and also be a large shareholder of the PBC.

"Our mission remains the same, and the PBC will have the same mission. We made the decision for the nonprofit to retain control of OpenAI after hearing from civic leaders and engaging in constructive dialogue with the offices of the Attorney General of Delaware and the Attorney General of California," said OpenAI Board chair Bret Taylor.

Altman said as the PBC grows, the nonprofit's resources will grow, so it can do even more.

"We're excited to soon get recommendations from our nonprofit commission on how we can help make sure AI benefits everyone--not just a few. Their ideas will focus on how our nonprofit work can support a more democratic AI future, and have real impact in areas like health, education, public services, and scientific discovery," he wrote in a letter to employees.

"We want our nonprofit to be the largest and most effective nonprofit in history that will be focused on using AI to enable the highest-leverage outcomes for people," he added.

He said this sets them up to continue to make rapid, safe progress and to put great AI in the hands of everyone.

"Creating AGI is our brick in the path of human progress; we can't wait to see what bricks you will add next," said Altman.

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
This is a smart move by OpenAI. Keeping AI development under nonprofit oversight ensures it doesn't become just another profit-hungry corporation. In India, we've seen how unchecked tech can create digital divides. Hope they truly make AI accessible to all! 🇮🇳
P
Priya M.
Interesting development! But I wonder how this will work in practice. Nonprofit control sounds good on paper, but will it slow down innovation? India's tech startups move fast - we need AI to keep pace with global developments while being responsible.
A
Arjun S.
Hope OpenAI considers India's unique needs in their "benefit everyone" approach. Our diverse languages, education challenges, and healthcare gaps could really benefit from thoughtful AI applications. The public benefit corporation model might be worth studying for our Indian tech firms too!
S
Sneha R.
"AI benefits everyone - not just a few" - this is exactly what we need! In India, we've seen how tech can either bridge gaps or widen them. Hope OpenAI walks the talk and doesn't become another Western-centric platform that ignores developing nations' realities. 🤞
V
Vikram J.
The AGI mention worries me a bit. We should focus on solving today's problems with AI first - better farming tech, vernacular content, affordable healthcare. The "human progress" vision sounds grand but let's not forget ground realities in countries like ours.
N
Neha P.
Good intentions, but will they deliver? Many global tech firms promise inclusivity but end up focusing on Western markets. Hope OpenAI includes Indian experts in their nonprofit commission. Our experience with digital public goods (like UPI) could offer valuable insights!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Your email won't be published

Disclaimer: Comments are the opinions of users and not of this website or it's staff. News stories are provided by news agencies. We do not guarantee their accuracy. Inappropriate content may be removed. By posting, you agree to our terms.

Tags:
OpenAI Sam Altman Artificial Intelligence Public Benefit Corporation AI Ethics Technology Governance
You May Like!