OpenAI hired top K Street firms and an in-house lobbyist who previously worked for Microsoft, and is currently hiring for roles to drive new business within the U.S. Federal Government. Anthropic, which still bans uses of its technology for harmful purposes, hired firms that also lobbied for Amazon, its potential largest investor. Despite the Pentagon's interest in AI systems, it remains unclear whether companies like OpenAI will make their tools available for military applications. OpenAI did not respond to questions about the nature of its lobbying or potential opportunities it might be exploring.
Key takeaways:
- OpenAI and Anthropic, two major AI companies, have begun lobbying the U.S. government, with OpenAI spending $260,000 on lobbying the Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security in the third quarter of 2023.
- OpenAI has recently removed its ban on the use of its technology for 'military and warfare' purposes, indicating a shift in the company's attitude towards the military's use of its technology.
- Anthropic, on the other hand, continues to ban uses of its technology that could cause harm or loss of human life, and has stated it is not pursuing defense contracts.
- Government watchdog groups are calling for more transparency in the tech industry's relationship with government agencies and lawmakers, arguing that this relationship can impact federal spending and decision making.