OpenAI has opened the door to potential military uses of its technologies, following an update to its usage policy that previously prohibited its products for military and warfare purposes, the company did not deny that it is now open to military applications.
The Intercept first noticed this change, which appears to have been published on January 10. Changes in policy wording are somewhat common in the tech industry as products evolve and change, and the AI startup is no exception.
The previous usage policy explicitly prohibited using its technologies for activities involving a high risk of physical harm, including the development of weapons, military, and warfare, this explicit ban on military uses effectively ruled out any official and profitable use by the U.S. Department of Defense or any other country’s military.
The new policy asks not to use OpenAI services to harm yourself or others, giving weapon development or use as an example, although the comprehensive ban on military and warfare use has disappeared.
The policy revision is part of a major rewriting process of the policy page, aiming to make it clear and readable, this includes many other substantial changes in language and formatting.
OpenAI’s announcement of launching GPTs alongside a clear fundraising policy likely necessitated some changes, the company stated, “We aim to create a set of global principles that are easy to remember and apply, especially as our tools are now used globally by ordinary users who can also create GPTs.”
This new change is a fundamental shift in policy, not just a rephrasing, the company explained that the phrase “do not harm others” is broad yet easy to understand and relevant in many contexts.
OpenAI clarified that there is still a comprehensive prohibition clause regarding the development and use of weapons, listed separately from the military and warfare, although military tasks go beyond just making weapons, which could be manufactured by entities other than the military.
It seems OpenAI is looking for new business opportunities, as not everything the Department of Defense does is related to warfare, the military institution is involved in all kinds of basic research, investment, small business funds, and infrastructure support.
The complete removal of the phrase “military and warfare” from prohibited uses suggests that the company is open to serving military customers.
