OpenAI Adds Former NSA Chief to Its Board and Safety Committee

Retired General Paul Nakasone, former head of the National Security Agency (NSA) and seasoned expert in cybersecurity, has been appointed to the board of directors of OpenAI, the artificial intelligence company behind the widely used ChatGPT.

General Paul Nakasone Joins OpenAI Board

Paul Nakasone will also play a key role on the board's "security and safety" subcommittee, likely to address concerns over OpenAI's pace of AI development and its potential risks to users and society.

With a distinguished career spanning the US Army, US Cyber Command, and the NSA, Nakasone is set to bring his expertise in cybersecurity and technology advancement to OpenAI.

In his new role, Nakasone will join the Safety and Security Committee of OpenAI's board, providing strategic guidance on critical decisions about the security of the firm's AI models, supercomputers, and sensitive data.

This committee is crucial in ensuring that all of OpenAI's projects and operations adhere to rigorous safety protocols and are resilient against cyber threats.

OpenAI acknowledges the increasing significance of cybersecurity in developing and deploying AI technologies, particularly as advancements in AI edge closer to achieving artificial general intelligence (AGI).

Integrating Nakasone's insights is expected to enhance OpenAI's capabilities in detecting and responding to sophisticated cyber attacks, thus bolstering cybersecurity across various sectors such as healthcare, education, and finance.

According to Bret Taylor, Chair of OpenAI's Board, Nakasone's wealth of experience will be instrumental in steering the company towards its mission of harnessing AI for the benefit of humanity while ensuring robust security measures are in place.

Taylor emphasized the importance of securely building and deploying AI innovations to maximize their potential positive impacts on society.

In his own words, Nakasone expressed his alignment with OpenAI's mission and values, citing his dedication to public service and cybersecurity as pivotal factors in his decision to join the board.

His extensive leadership roles within the US Army and NSA highlight his commitment to safeguarding digital infrastructures and advancing global cyber defense capabilities.

General Paul Nakasone's Cybersecurity Career

Throughout his career, Paul Nakasone has held command and staff positions across various elite cyber units within the US and overseas in countries like the Republic of Korea, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

His tenure as the longest-serving leader of USCYBERCOM and his leadership at the NSA could be a welcome addition to OpenAI's board as it continues to gain popularity with its AI services.

"OpenAI's dedication to its mission aligns closely with my own values and experience in public service. I look forward to contributing to OpenAI's efforts to ensure artificial general intelligence is safe and beneficial to people around the world," Nakasone said in a press release.