# OpenAI’s Safety Researcher Resigns: Alarm Over AI Advancement Speed
The swift progression of artificial intelligence (AI) is generating both enthusiasm and apprehension worldwide. As AI technologies, including ChatGPT, become more advanced, the ethical and safety dilemmas associated with their growth have come into sharper focus. Recently, Steven Adler, a notable safety researcher at OpenAI, declared his departure, expressing worries about the rapidity of AI development and its possible repercussions for humanity.
## Increasing Exits from OpenAI
Adler’s exit contributes to a rising trend of significant engineers and researchers departing OpenAI over the last year. His choice to leave the organization, which he made public in January 2025, has drawn attention in both technology and academic spheres. Having been with OpenAI for four years, Adler focused on crucial initiatives such as evaluating hazardous capabilities, ensuring agent safety, and aligning artificial general intelligence (AGI) with human interests.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Adler voiced his fears: “I’m quite alarmed by the speed of AI development these days.” He further questioned whether humanity would be able to achieve milestones such as retirement or nurturing future generations, considering the existential threats posed by unregulated AI progress.
## Dangers of the AGI Competition
Adler’s comments emphasize a growing apprehension among AI researchers regarding the competition to develop AGI. AGI, or artificial general intelligence, denotes AI systems capable of performing any intellectual task that a human can, but more efficiently and with access to enormous amounts of information. Although AGI offers tremendous potential, it also entails substantial risks if it is not aligned with human ethics and priorities.
Adler characterized the AGI competition as a “very risky bet, with considerable downsides.” He cautioned that no AI lab currently possesses a solid method for achieving AI alignment, which entails ensuring that AI systems function in ways that advantage humanity. “The quicker we race, the less probable anyone finds [a solution] in time,” he remarked.
## The DeepSeek Phenomenon
Adler’s resignation coincided with the emergence of DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup that has altered the global AI arena. DeepSeek recently introduced a reasoning model, DeepSeek R1, which competes with ChatGPT in effectiveness. Notably, the firm accomplished this using older hardware paired with innovative software optimizations, equalizing the competitive landscape in the AI sector.
DeepSeek’s open-source model presents a double-edged sword. While it democratizes access to state-of-the-art AI technology, it also raises alarms about potential misuse by malicious entities who might inadvertently or deliberately create AGI without sufficient safety protocols. Adler referenced this danger in his comments, stressing the necessity for global collaboration to avert a “race to the bottom” concerning AI safety norms.
## Alignment Issues and Geopolitical Ramifications
One of the most urgent matters in AI development is alignment—ensuring that AI systems function in ways that resonate with human values and societal objectives. However, alignment is not universally applicable. For example, ChatGPT is engineered to align with Western viewpoints, while DeepSeek is geared toward Chinese goals, including censorship.
This divergence in alignment approaches highlights the geopolitical aspects of AI development. As nations and organizations vie for supremacy in AI, the danger of misaligned or rogue AI systems increases. Adler’s worries mirror a broader concern that the competitive landscape of AI development could result in catastrophic scenarios if safety and ethical standards are overlooked.
## Moving Forward: Unity and Vigilance
Adler’s resignation acts as a crucial reminder for the AI community. His final remarks underscored the requirement for transparency and teamwork among AI labs to tackle safety issues. “Even if a lab genuinely intends to develop AGI responsibly, others can still take shortcuts to keep pace, possibly with disastrous outcomes,” he cautioned. He urged for open conversations regarding the safety protocols necessary to avert a perilous escalation in the AGI competition.
Though Adler’s future plans are uncertain, he has shown ongoing interest in AI safety. He recently requested input on X regarding overlooked areas in AI safety and policy, indicating his commitment to addressing these pivotal matters.
## Conclusion
The resignation of a critical safety researcher like Steven Adler underscores the ethical and existential dilemmas posed by the swift advancement of AI. As the pursuit of AGI quickens, the demand for comprehensive safety measures and global collaboration becomes increasingly pressing. Whether the AI community can meet this challenge is yet to be determined, but one reality is clear: the stakes have never been higher.
