OpenAI closed its San Francisco headquarters to all users on Friday afternoon under emergency protocol. This decision stemmed from serious threats from an individual previously associated with the activist group “Stop AI.” This incident highlighted the escalating tensions between AI companies and protesters demanding the slowdown of this technology’s development.
Former activist issues shock threat to OpenAI employees: Entry and exit banned
According to reports, around 11:00 a.m., San Francisco police received a report of a man making threats near OpenAI’s offices. Police radio recordings indicated that the suspect may have purchased a gun and was planning to target other OpenAI locations. This alert put security forces and company management on high alert.
An urgent coded alert message was sent to employees via the company’s internal communication channel, Slack. The security team stated that the individual intended to physically harm OpenAI employees and had previously visited the company’s facilities. The message shared three different photos of the suspect and urged staff to exercise caution. Employees were also instructed to remain inside the building, remove their ID cards when leaving, and avoid wearing clothing bearing the company logo.
The suspect in charge of the incident announced on social media that he was no longer affiliated with the Stop AI group. A former organizer, he stated that life would be unworthy of living if AI replaced humans in scientific discovery and the workforce. The OpenAI security team stated that there were no signs of an active attack at this time but that they were acting with caution while assessments were ongoing.
This lockdown was the latest in a series of actions by AI security activists in San Francisco. In February, protesters barricaded the company’s doors, blocking access. Earlier this month, CEO Sam Altman, who was on stage at a public event, was served with a subpoena regarding an impending criminal case. Groups like Stop AI and Pause AI argue that AI poses existential risks to humanity and demand that governments shut down these companies.
What do you think about the increase in security concerns and protests as artificial intelligence technologies continue to develop?
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