Keen On America

The Empire Strikes Back: Karen Hao on OpenAI as a Classic Colonial Power

Jun 9, 2025
Karen Hao, an award-winning journalist, dives deep into the controversial practices of OpenAI, likening it to the British East India Company. She argues that OpenAI’s facade of altruism masks a profit-driven empire that exploits vulnerable communities while causing environmental harm. The conversation unveils the risks of unchecked corporate power in AI, the historical parallels of technological colonialism, and the pressing need for ethical governance. Hao also critiques the rapid scaling strategy, suggesting an alternative approach prioritizing sustainability over profit.
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INSIGHT

OpenAI as Modern Empire

  • OpenAI functions like a modern empire disguised by a civilizing mission to benefit humanity.
  • Sam Altman crafts a belief system to rally resources and talent for rapid AI dominance.
INSIGHT

Scaling AI Damages Environment

  • OpenAI prioritizes scaling AI models fast over efficiency, causing huge environmental damage.
  • Their data centers consume huge energy and water, worsening climate and public health crises.
INSIGHT

Altman's Reckless AI Gamble

  • Sam Altman is visionary at mobilizing resources but bets recklessly with environmental and social costs.
  • Prior research showed smaller, cleaner AI models were viable but OpenAI chose quantity over quality.
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