Hustler Words – Chris Lehane, a crisis management veteran known for his work with Al Gore and Airbnb, faces perhaps his toughest challenge yet as OpenAI’s VP of global policy. His mission: to convince the world that OpenAI is genuinely committed to democratizing AI, even as the company’s actions increasingly mirror those of other tech giants. This task is made even more difficult as OpenAI faces scrutiny over its data practices and the potential societal impact of its technologies.
During a recent interview, Lehane navigated questions about OpenAI’s controversial Sora video generation tool, which has raised concerns about copyright infringement and the exploitation of deceased celebrities. Lehane framed Sora as a "general purpose technology" that democratizes creativity, but critics argue that OpenAI is testing the limits of copyright law and profiting from the work of others without fair compensation.
The company’s pursuit of advanced AI also raises concerns about its environmental impact. OpenAI’s massive data centers consume vast amounts of energy and water, potentially straining resources in economically challenged communities. Lehane acknowledged the need for democracies to compete in the AI race but did not directly address the potential for increased utility bills in these communities.
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Furthermore, the use of AI to resurrect deceased celebrities has sparked ethical debates about the rights of individuals and their families. Zelda Williams, daughter of the late Robin Williams, publicly condemned the practice, calling it "disgusting." Lehane responded by emphasizing OpenAI’s commitment to responsible design and government partnerships, but critics argue that these measures are insufficient to address the potential for harm.
Adding to the complexity, OpenAI recently subpoenaed Nathan Calvin, an AI policy lawyer, raising concerns about the company’s tactics for influencing AI regulation. This move has been criticized as an attempt to intimidate critics and stifle dissent.
Despite these challenges, some within OpenAI are questioning the company’s direction. Josh Achiam, OpenAI’s head of mission alignment, publicly expressed concern that the company may be becoming "a frightening power instead of a virtuous one." This internal conflict highlights the moral tightrope that OpenAI is walking as it pursues its ambitious goals.
The question now is not whether Lehane can successfully sell OpenAI’s mission, but whether the company’s own employees still believe in it. As OpenAI races toward artificial general intelligence, the contradictions between its stated values and its actions may only intensify, forcing the company to confront its own identity and purpose. An event for tech enthusiasts is scheduled for October 27-29, 2025, in San Francisco.
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