- Paul M. Nakasone, ex-NSA director, joins OpenAI’s safety team.
- Nakasone to enhance AI-driven cybersecurity initiatives.
OUR TAKE
Nakasone’s addition to OpenAI’s board resonates deeply, especially in today’s digital age where cybersecurity is paramount. His tenure at the NSA underscores a career dedicated to protecting national interests, now pivoting towards securing AI advancements for global benefit. This move instils confidence that OpenAI is not just innovating but prioritising safety, ensuring AI serves humanity responsibly. Nakasone’s expertise promises to fortify these efforts, making him a beacon of assurance in navigating AI’s future challenges and opportunities.
—Dudu, BTW Reporter
OpenAI welcomes Nakasone
OpenAI has appointed Paul M. Nakasone, a retired US Army general and former head of the National Security Agency (NSA), to its board of directors. Nakasone, who led the NSA from 2018 until February, will now contribute to OpenAI’s Safety and Security Committee, prioritising efforts to bolster cybersecurity through artificial intelligence.
Strengthening cybersecurity with AI
Before stepping down as NSA director, Nakasone supported the renewal of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, a key surveillance programme reauthorised by Congress in April. At OpenAI, Nakasone will leverage his extensive experience to help the company understand and develop AI applications for detecting and responding to cybersecurity threats.
Nakasone joins a team led by CEO Sam Altman, amidst recent departures related to safety concerns at OpenAI, including co-founder Ilya Sutskever and safety expert Jan Leike. OpenAI board chair Bret Taylor emphasised the significance of securely built and deployed AI innovations: “General Nakasone’s unparalleled experience in areas like cybersecurity will help guide OpenAI in achieving its mission of ensuring artificial general intelligence benefits all of humanity.”
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Opinion: Nakasone’s critical role in AI’s future
Nakasone’s appointment feels like a game-changer for OpenAI. His unparalleled expertise in cybersecurity is not just an asset; it’s a necessity in a world increasingly reliant on AI. This move reflects OpenAI’s serious commitment to safety and security, and it’s reassuring to see such a seasoned professional at the helm of these efforts.
In summary, Nakasone’s addition to the board represents a pivotal moment for OpenAI. It’s more than just a strategic hire; it’s a bold statement about the company’s dedication to responsible AI development. This is a critical step towards ensuring that AI’s benefits are securely harnessed for the greater good.
