A group of ex-OpenAI employees, including Nobel laureates and civil society organizations, has sent a letter to California and Delaware attorneys general requesting that they halt the company’s restructuring efforts. The group argues that converting OpenAI into a for-profit entity would undermine its charitable purpose and remove critical governance safeguards.
The group, which includes former employees such as Nisan Stiennon and Jacob Hilton, claims that OpenAI’s primary fiduciary duty is to humanity, not profit. They argue that the company’s mission to develop artificial general intelligence (AGI) benefits all of humanity, rather than advancing private gain.
OpenAI’s planned restructuring has sparked controversy among employees and AI leaders, with some expressing concerns that it would lead to a loss of control over AGI development and governance. The group claims that nonprofit control is vital to OpenAI’s mission and that removing such control would threaten its charitable purpose.
The letter was delivered to OpenAI’s board on Tuesday evening, just days after the company announced its plans to convert into a for-profit entity. The move has raised concerns about the company’s ability to balance profit with social responsibility in developing AGI.
A $300 billion valuation and recent funding round have added pressure on OpenAI to complete the restructuring by December 31. However, some experts warn that this could lead to a loss of social responsibility and increased risks associated with AGI development.
Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/23/ex-openai-staffers-urge-california-delaware-not-to-allow-restructure.html