OpenAI, an American artificial intelligence company, recently announced that Paul M. Nakasone, the former head of the National Security Agency (NSA), has joined its board of directors. This appointment further underscores OpenAI's emphasis on security awareness and its efforts to seek professional guidance in the field of artificial intelligence.
Nakasone led the NSA from 2018 until February of this year, having been nominated by former President Trump. Before leaving the NSA, he supported updating Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act in a column article, which ultimately received congressional reauthorization in April. Joining OpenAI's board, Nakasone will be part of the company's Security and Safety Committee, with the primary task of "assisting OpenAI in better understanding how to use artificial intelligence to rapidly detect and respond to cybersecurity threats."
Bret Taylor, Chairman of OpenAI's board, stated in a declaration: "Artificial intelligence has the potential to significantly positively impact people's lives, but this potential can only be realized if these innovations are built and deployed safely." He added: "Nakasone's extensive experience in areas such as cybersecurity will help guide OpenAI in achieving its mission to ensure that artificial general intelligence benefits all of humanity."
The Security and Safety Committee at OpenAI, led by CEO Sam Altman, aims to strengthen the company's work in AI safety. Recently, OpenAI has undergone leadership adjustments related to security, including the departure of co-founder and chief scientist Ilya Sutskever, who played a key role in Sam Altman's dismissal in November last year and his eventual reappointment; and the departure of Jan Leike, who stated that "safety culture and processes have been overshadowed by shiny products."
Nakasone's addition to the board will work alongside existing members to enhance OpenAI's development in the field of artificial intelligence, providing more professional advice and guidance for the company's growth and governance.