OpenAI (OPAI.PVT) released a series of policy proposals it said are meant to address what it sees as some of the major societal challenges that will inevitably arise from the growth of ever more powerful forms of artificial intelligence.
The proposals, which OpenAI admits are “ambitious” and “intentionally early and exploratory,” include everything from a new industrial policy agenda to modernizing the tax system to expanding access to healthcare coverage and retirement savings.
They are meant to help answer questions about job disruptions and AI systems that evade human control, and to protect against governments deploying AI in ways that run counter to democratic values.
“Unless policy keeps pace with technological change, the institutions and safety nets needed to navigate this transition could fall behind,” the company said.
“Ensuring that AI expands access, agency, and opportunity is a central challenge as we move towards superintelligence.”
Among its proposals, OpenAI said policymakers will need to rethink their tax bases as AI reduces the need for companies to employ as many workers.
“As AI reshapes work and production, the composition of economic activity may shift — expanding corporate profits and capital gains while potentially reducing reliance on labor income and payroll taxes,” the company said.
That, OpenAI said, will cut into funding for things including Social Security, Medicaid, SNAP benefits, and housing assistance programs. OpenAI said governments could instead push for higher taxes on capital gains, corporate income, or “targeted measures on sustained AI-driven returns.”
Healthcare and retirement benefits, the company said, should also follow individuals across jobs and industries.
To do so, OpenAI said governments could “pool contributions” from multiple sources to pay for standardized accounts, allowing for healthcare and benefits that are attached to a person rather than their job.
Retirement benefits would also follow people across different jobs and use a pooled funding structure.
The company also dives into AI regulation, saying that governments should focus on “common-sense” rules that don’t favor entrenched incumbents and help protect children and address potential national security threats.
“We are entering a new phase of economic and social organization that will fundamentally reshape work, knowledge, and production,” the company said. “This is the moment to start the conversation: to think boldly, explore new ideas, and collaboratively develop a new industrial policy agenda that ensures superintelligence benefits everyone.”
