Future of Life Institute Podcast Why OpenAI Is Trying to Silence Its Critics (with Tyler Johnston)
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Nov 27, 2025 Tyler Johnston, Executive Director of the Midas Project, advocates for AI transparency and accountability. He discusses using animal rights watchdog strategies to hold AI companies accountable. The conversation includes OpenAI's attempts to silence critics through subpoenas and how public pressure can challenge powerful entities. Johnston emphasizes the necessity of transparency where technical safety solutions are lacking and the importance of independent audits for meaningful oversight. His insights illuminate the risks and responsibilities of AI development.
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Publishing The OpenAI Files
- The Midas Project published the OpenAI Files, a 14,000-word archival report compiling governance concerns and past incidents.
- The goal was to show the totality of evidence to question trusting OpenAI to self-govern.
The Transparency Letter Campaign
- Two months after the report, Midas launched a transparency letter asking seven direct questions about OpenAI's restructuring.
- It gathered over 10,000 signatures including former OpenAI affiliates and civil-society groups.
Subpoenaed Over Restructuring Criticism
- Tyler received two subpoenas from OpenAI tied to litigation with Elon Musk, one to him and one to Midas.
- The subpoenas arrived after Midas publicly criticized OpenAI's restructuring and targeted several nonprofit signatories.