OpenAl Showed Up At My Door. Here’s Why They’re Targeting People Like Me

Quick Overview

OpenAI and other major AI companies employ aggressive tactics, including serving subpoenas and funding massive lobbying operations through Super PACs, to silence critics, kill unfavorable legislation like child safety bills, and ensure minimal government regulation, often targeting advocates like Tyler Johnston who question their restructuring or push for guardrails.

Key Points: OpenAI subpoenaed AI watchdog organizer Tyler Johnston for documents related to former employees, congressional offices, and investors, specifically seeking information about OpenAI's restructuring following Sam Altman's temporary firing. The AI industry, including Google and Meta, is playing "hardball" politically, aiming to prevent regulation and secure liability protections similar to those social media companies received. OpenAI hired Chris Lehane, nicknamed the 'Master of Disaster' for his work with the Clintons, to lead influence operations, staffing his team with former staffers of major political figures. California Assembly member Rebecca Bauer-Kahan saw lobbying dollars "huge ramp up" to kill her LEAD for Kids Act, which aimed to ban unsafe AI products for children, resulting in Governor Newsom vetoing the strong bill and signing a weakened version requiring only a protocol, not guarantees. New York Assembly member Alex Bores faced opposition for his RAISE Act, which sought legally enforceable safety standards on advanced AI research, with tech groups texting his constituents and funding Super PACs to target him. AI Super PACs, modeled after the crypto industry's Fairshake (where Lehane was top strategist), are being funded by major players like Meta, Andreessen Horowitz, and Greg Brockman to support friendly candidates and oppose those who advocate for regulation. Despite the pressure, public demand for regulation remains high, with 80% of Americans wanting some form of AI regulation, leading OpenAI to later support a California ballot initiative for child safety protections.