OpenAI recently updated its Usage Policy to prohibit "provision of tailored advice that requires a license, such as legal or medical advice, without appropriate involvement by a licensed professional." (Source: OpenAI Usage Policies at https://lnkd.in/gmSXReEE).
Interestingly, this change is limited to professional advice that typically requires a license. It could be that OpenAI felt that dispensing tailored legal and medical advice by its very nature created unacceptable exposure--mistakes can result in serious harm, both in monetary and personal terms. Source: Financial Express Report on liability fears at https://lnkd.in/grcTDFXx].
It could also be that OpenAI is seeking to be proactive in self-regulating in hopes of delaying or avoiding substantive regulation of its output by governmental entities, including state bars and medical licensing authorities.
This appears to be part of a broader trend. Major regulatory frameworks, such as the EU AI Act, are imposing the tightest controls on AI systems used in high-impact areas like health, law, and employment. Likewise, private companies are proactively defining their AI's role as a decision-support tool rather than an autonomous advisor to comply with evolving global standards. [Source: NCSL AI Legislation Trends at https://lnkd.in/gf6yT9da].
And of course, OpenAI previously self-regulated the processing of certain biological data, based on a growing awareness that ChatGPT could be used to create custom pathogens or biological weapons. [Source: OpenAI Preparedness Framework & Biosecurity at https://lnkd.in/gAruaF4k].
As artificial intelligence tools become more and more powerful, governmental regulation appears inevitable. AI companies like OpenAI would understandably prefer to take the lead in defining the terms of the regulations. In addition, AI companies would prefer to identify a human user as the responsible party when bad things happen.
Personally, I'm just happy my profession will continue to exist (for now).
By Jon Dedon, Kennyhertz Perry, LLC
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