Timnit Gebru—Publicly criticized OpenAI for lack of transparency about training data and model architecture
In 2024, Gebru publicly criticized OpenAI for refusing to disclose what data they use to train their models or the architecture of their systems, stating that they claim withholding this information is for the public's own good. She also rejected the possibility of joining OpenAI's board, calling the prospect 'repulsive' and saying any board member would face a constant uphill battle.
Scoring Impact
| Topic | Direction | Relevance | Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| AI Oversight | +toward | secondary | +0.50 |
| Corporate Transparency | +toward | primary | +1.00 |
| Overall incident score = | +0.483 | ||
Score = avg(topic contributions) × significance (medium ×1) × confidence (0.64)
Evidence (2 signals)
Gebru criticized OpenAI's data and model opacity in UMass podcast
In a February 2024 podcast with UMass Amherst's Initiative for Digital Public Infrastructure, Gebru stated that OpenAI doesn't disclose the architecture of their models or what data they use to train them, and that they claim withholding this is for the public's own good.
Gebru called joining OpenAI board 'repulsive' and predicted constant uphill battle
In November 2023, Gebru publicly rejected the possibility of joining the OpenAI board, calling the idea 'repulsive' and saying that any board member would face a constant uphill battle trying to hold the company accountable.