OpenAI seems to be taking bigger steps into the world of politics after the AI firm welcomed former National Security Agency director Lt. Gen. Paul Nakasone as part of its board of directors.
In a press release on Thursday, OpenAI announced the addition of Nakasone to its board as part of the company's "commitment to safety and security, and underscores the growing significance of cybersecurity."
Nakasone is set to join the board's Safety and Security Committee to oversee "critical safety and security decisions for all OpenAI projects and operations."
The statement came after OpenAI reported disrupting multiple influence operations from Russia, China, Iran, and Israel using its AI to manipulate public opinion over the last three months.
This is in addition to a recent open letter from former and current OpenAI employees criticizing the company for its recent safety practices with the rollout of its newer AI products.
Who is Retired Lt. Gen. Paul Nakasone?
Prior to the NSA, Nakasone was the commanding general of the US Army Cyber Command group amid growing tensions with China.
Nakasone was later appointed as the NSA chief in May 2018 during convicted ex-President Donald Trump's term.
The lieutenant general, who concurrently served as chief of the Central Security Service, headed the agency as Trump relaunched its spying program collecting call records from millions of Americans.
Shortly before his retirement last February, Nakasone expressed support for the reauthorization of the controversial Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.
Digital watchdogs have long opposed the act, which allows the government to spy on non-US citizens, due to its risks of being abused and misused.
It was also during Nakasone's time when the NSA expanded its technological capabilities following several multi-billion dollar deals to integrate AI into its operations.
OpenAI Further Taps into US Politics
The appointment of Nakasone is only the latest move from OpenAI as it takes further steps into US politics.
Before Nakasone, OpenAI's board welcomed Chris Lehane, a former senior vice president of policy and communications at Airbnb and Al Gore's press secretary during the 2000 US Elections.
The addition of Lehane into the company was touted as the next big technology to help public sectors amid current efforts to revitalize the industry.
It can be remembered that the company contributed to the surge of lobbying for AI research and development amid the US government's efforts to form a standardized regulation on the growing industry.
Otherwise, OpenAI has steered clear of political leanings as it promises to prevent politicians from using its technologies for their election campaigns.
