OpenAI, one of the biggest tech company, is coming under fire from parent and child safety advocacy groups after it was revealed that the tech giant was providing funding support to the Parents and Kids Safe AI Coalition without disclosing the fact.
Several advocacy groups claim that they were not aware of OpenAI’s participation in the alliance until it was announced.
The group contacted child protection advocacy groups in March and asked them to support policy proposals with the organization. The email sent did not disclose OpenAI’s involvement in the group.
“It’s a very sobering feeling,” said one nonprofit leader, who learned of OpenAI’s involvement only after the public announcement. At least two members later left the coalition over the issue.
The coalition’s proposals are similar to the California child protection bill supported by OpenAI, as the organization tries to shape state-level legislation on the use of AI for children.
OpenAI and members of the coalition announced their commitment to the Child AI Protection Act, saying, “We are fighting for the strongest child AI protection law in the country.”
The advocacy organizations decided to distance themselves from the coalition due to OpenAI’s funding. “I want them to get out of the way and let advocates and parents pass the legislation they think is best for kids,” said Josh Golin, executive director of FairPlay.
