OpenAI backs measure that would require independent audits of AI models

ChatGPT maker OpenAI supports parts of a bipartisan bill in Congress that would require the largest AI companies to submit their large language models to independent audits, according to Chris Lehane, the company's chief global affairs officer.

OpenAI has previously backed state legislation to regulate AI, but this marks the first time the company has thrown its weight behind a federal mandate that would require a third-party group to assess AI developers' work. 

Lehane expressed support for the proposal, which is included in a bill now before lawmakers called the FRONTIER Act, during a roundtable with lawmakers in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, an OpenAI spokesperson told CBS News. 

Specifically, an independent organization would have to determine that an AI company's safety protocols are sufficiently rigorous to mitigate what the bill describes as "acceptable levels of catastrophic risk." 

Lehane's comments come as AI researchers and developers warn about the potential for advanced AI to inflict harm on people. 

Patrolling frontier models

The FRONTIER Act, sponsored by Reps. Jay Obernolte, a Republican from California, and Lori Trahan, a Democrat from Massachusetts, would also require AI developers to publish reports on their models and disclose safety incidents.