Would you be willing to say literally anything I ask you to to anyone I specify, including telling your family that you have been kidnapped and need money?

Sometimes, when someone tells you they are concerned about something, that something is concerning. We should evaluate the actual concern. I am concerned you do not realize this.

Couple that with deceptive naming practices ('Open' AI) and how much they've compromised their independence with so much Microsoft ownership.. why _would_ you take their claims at face value?

I think we can all agree it is valid to be cautious with some of this tech, but the question is whether OpenAI is being cautious or simply using caution as PR. And given their track record, the latter seems, if not likely, then possible.

Regarding the kidnapping scenario, my family isn't stupid enough to send money to anyone that sounds like me. Impersonating the gov't and sending letters would be a much better strategy since it's much harder to verify an organization's identity. Btw voice cloning is fairly mainstream and I've already used free voice cloning apps to humorous effect. Do you think people can't clone your voice today thanks to OpenAI holding back?

Maybe they just wait for somebody else to take the brunt of the reputation damage.

I think they've hit a plateau or something. Compare the recent Sam Altman interview by Lex Fridman with the one only a few months prior. The dude's in limbo. You can almost hear the legal team breathing down his neck not to make unsubstantiated, deceptive claims... They got high on their own supply and now have to cut their product with ground glass to make the same dose hit harder. There is some uncomfortable AI sobriety incoming.