OpenAI's hiring of former Army Secretary just 2 months after Pentagon resignation is part of a 'trend' of it pivoting resources to defense projects
OpenAI’s hiring of a recently departed Pentagon official points to the frontier lab’s growing interests in defense and expanding roster of former military officials in its ranks.
TL;DR
- OpenAI hired former U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll as senior counselor for national security modernization.
- Driscoll will advise on policy and strategy for modernizing national security with AI.
- The hire is seen as part of OpenAI's strategy to invest resources in the defense sector.
- OpenAI has previously appointed retired General Paul Nakasone to its board and partnered with defense firm Anduril.
- Driscoll's prior work in the Pentagon included efforts on battlefield drones, cutting red tape, and switching to commercial software.
- His role may raise concerns about the 'revolving door problem' and potential conflicts of interest in government procurement.
- OpenAI has existing contracts with the Department of Defense, including a $200 million deal for AI tools.
- Concerns have been raised about the potential for AI to be used for domestic surveillance, though OpenAI states its systems will not be intentionally used for such purposes.
- OpenAI's deals with the Pentagon include an 'all lawful use' clause, which experts note could have legal loopholes.