ChatGPT developer OpenAI has proposed drastic industrial policies such as tax reform, including the establishment of a robot tax, a 32-hour workweek, and public funds for all citizens ahead of the Superintelligence era that goes beyond human intelligence.
OpenAI has released a policy proposal called “Industrial Policy in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Human-Centered Ideas.”
OpenAI explained why it published the proposal, saying, “As the era of super-intelligence approaches, it is not enough to make gradual changes to the policy.”
The proposal called for broad sharing of the prosperity gained through AI, mitigating risks, and democratizing access to AI.
As a concrete measure for this, OpenAI first mentioned tax reform.
AI increases corporate profits, but labor income can be lowered in the process, which could weaken the tax base.
OpenAI stressed that to overcome these risks, it should consider raising capital gains taxes (such as capital gains taxes), corporate taxes and taxes on AI-based profits, and cutting costs and taxing profits from the introduction of “automated labor,” or robots.
Incentives should be given to companies to maintain employment and retrain their employees, and they also proposed a trial run of a four-day, 32-hour workweek without pay cuts to convert AI-induced efficiency improvements into worker benefits.
It also requested that AI-induced unemployed people get other jobs such as childcare, care, and community services.
He also suggested creating a public fund that provides shares in AI-led economic growth to citizens who have not invested directly in financial markets.
Regarding AI safety, it also proposed establishing a surveillance system to verify the risks of AI models by preparing safety devices to respond to threats that abuse AI and strengthening the authority of institutions such as the ‘AI Standards and Innovation Center’ (CAISI).
It was also suggested to accumulate related data by specifying public interest responsibility in the governance structure of AI companies and reporting them in case of accidents or malfunctions.
He also emphasized that the government should meet safety and transparency when using AI and share AI-related information internationally.
However, OpenAI said its proposal was “not a set answer but a starting point for starting a broad dialogue” and that it planned to hold a workshop in Washington, DC next month for further discussion.
It also added that it would set up a program to provide $100,000 in grants and $1 million worth of AI use credits to support such policy research.
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) analyzed that OpenAI’s proposal was intended to strike a balance between the Donald Trump administration and the opposition Democratic Party.
OpenAI has been in line with President Trump’s stance to minimize AI-related regulations, but the proposal’s strengthening of social safety nets and AI regulations are in line with the policy direction of the former Joe Biden administration.
JENNIFER KIM
US ASIA JOURNAL
