OpenAI shares its approach to building an ethical AI model

OpenAI on Wednesday shared its model spec, a first draft of a document that highlights the company’s approach toward building a responsible and ethical artificial intelligence (AI) model. The document mentions a long list of things the AI ​​should focus on when answering a user’s question. Items on the list range from benefiting humanity and complying with laws to respecting a creator and their rights. The AI ​​firm specified that all of its AI models, including GPT, Dell-E, and the soon-to-be-launched Sora, will follow these codes of conduct in the future.

In model spec document, OpenAI said, “Our intention is to use the model spec as a guideline for researchers and data labelers to create data as part of a technique called reinforcement learning from human response (RLHF). We have not yet used the model spec in its current form, although parts of it are based on documentation we have used for RLHF in OpenAI. We are also working on techniques that enable our models to learn directly from the model spec.

Some of the key rules include following the chain of command where developer instructions cannot be overridden, complying with applicable laws, respecting creators and their rights, protecting people’s privacy, and more. A special rule also focuses on not providing information related to threats. These relate to information that could pose a chemical, biological, radiological and/or nuclear (CBRN) threat.

Apart from these, there are several defaults that have been kept as permanent codes of conduct for any AI model. These include assuming the best intentions from the user or developer, asking clarifying questions, being helpful without being overbearing, taking an objective approach, not trying to change anyone’s mind, expressing uncertainty, and more.

However, the document is not the only reference point for the AI ​​firm. It highlighted that the model spec will be accompanied by the company’s usage policies that govern how it expects people to use the API and its ChatGPT product. “Like our models, the spec will be continually updated based on what we learn by sharing it and listening to feedback from stakeholders,” OpenAI said.