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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From Animal Rights To AI Watchdog
- Tyler Johnston left animal-rights corporate accountability work to start the Midas Project focused on frontier AI developers.
- He reused publicity tactics from animal welfare to pressure AI firms toward stronger voluntary safeguards.
Shining A Flashlight Creates Leverage
- Public pressure can leverage companies far larger than you by exposing hidden externalities and creating reputational costs.
- Competitive markets and regulator attention amplify the effect of well-timed public advocacy.
Legitimizing Speculative Harms
- You can legitimately spotlight speculative harms by citing experts and internal admissions about future risks.
- Emphasizing predicted capabilities makes current governance gaps more salient.