OpenAI Appoints Zico Kolter to Board of Directors Amid Safety Concerns

OpenAI has announced the appointment of Zico Kolter, a prominent professor and director of the machine learning department at Carnegie Mellon University, to its board of directors. Kolter's expertise in AI safety is expected to enhance the company's governance, particularly in light of recent concerns surrounding the safety of artificial intelligence systems. His addition comes on the heels of several high-profile departures from OpenAI, including co-founder Ilya Sutskever, who was part of a team focused on governing superintelligent AI. Kolter will serve on the OpenAI board’s Safety and Security Committee, which includes notable figures such as Bret Taylor and CEO Sam Altman. This committee is tasked with making critical recommendations regarding safety and security for all OpenAI projects. However, the committee's composition, primarily consisting of insiders, has raised questions about its effectiveness in addressing safety issues, especially following the resignations from the Superalignment team. In a statement, OpenAI board chairman Bret Taylor emphasized Kolter's deep technical understanding of AI safety and robustness, asserting that his insights will be crucial in ensuring that general artificial intelligence serves the interests of humanity. Kolter, who holds a PhD from Stanford University and has experience as chief data scientist at C3.ai, has a research background that includes exploring vulnerabilities in existing AI safeguards. Kolter's industry experience also includes roles as chief expert at Bosch and chief technical advisor at AI startup Gray Swan, positioning him as a key figure in navigating the complex landscape of AI safety and governance.