Following a revision of its previous usage policy, OpenAI has decided to permit the utilization of its technologies in military and combat purposes. The company affirmed that it no longer prohibits the use of its products in this sector.
A change was first noted on The Intercept website, which appears to have been published on the 10th of January.
Undoubtedly, there are frequent alterations in the formulation of policies in the technology field as products evolve and change. It is evident that this emerging artificial intelligence company is no exception to that.
The previous policy explicitly prohibited the use of its technologies in activities with high risks of physical harm, including development in the field of weapons and military.
This explicit rule excludes the prohibition of legitimate and profitable military uses by the US Department of Defense or any other army.
The new policy requests refraining from utilizing OpenAI services to cause harm to oneself or others, while exempting the development and use of weapons as a model. Nevertheless, the general ban on military and war use has been lifted.
The policy amendment is part of a major policy rephrasing process, where the company aims to achieve clarity and readability, encompassing several other fundamental language and formatting changes.
It is possible that the company’s announcement of launching GPTs, alongside the visible policy to attract funds, prompted some modifications.
OpenAI stated its goal of establishing a set of global principles that are easy to remember and implement, especially as our tools are currently used globally by regular users who can now create GPTs as well.
The new change signifies a fundamental shift in policy, rather than just a mere rephrasing.
In its statement, the company announced that a phrase that does not cause harm to others is a comprehensive, easily understood, and contextually linked phrase.
OpenAI clarified that it still fully prohibits the development and use of weapons, including all military-related arms and wars, even those manufactured by non-military entities.
It seems that OpenAI is seeking to discover new opportunities for collaboration, as its defense activities are not limited to war alone, but the military institution engages in all kinds of basic research, investment, small business ventures, and infrastructure support.
The complete removal of the military and combat phrase from the prohibited uses implies that the company is prepared to provide services to its military clientele.
