OpenAI begins working with the Pentagon to use its AI tool for military purposes. However, the company emphasizes that the development of weapons is prohibited.
OpenAI announced a partnership with the US Department of Defense at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Together they will work on cybersecurity projects and research ways to prevent veteran suicide. The AI company recently changed its policy to allow certain military applications of the technology, with the exception of weapons development.
Military use with weapons ban
OpenAI partners with the U.S. Department of Defense to work on projects related to cybersecurity and veteran suicide investigation. Anna Makanju, vice president of global affairs at OpenAI, reports that many people thought a blanket ban on military applications would mean such research couldn’t take place.
In response, OpenAI removed terms from its services agreement that initially blocked the use of AI in military and war situations. However, this change does not prohibit the use of the technology to produce weapons.
Policy changes
Some changes have been made to the General Policy section of the document. Section 2 now states: “Do not use our service to harm yourself or others.” In addition, this also means a ban on the use of AI products to develop or deploy weapons. The policy change will ensure that the needs of various government departments can be better met.