By Alnoor Ebrahim
Publication Date: 2026-02-13 13:21:00
OpenAI, the maker of the most popular AI chatbot, said in its 2023 mission statement that it aims to develop artificial intelligence that “safely benefits humanity without being constrained by the need to generate financial returns.” But the ChatGPT maker no longer seems to place the same emphasis on making this “secure”.
While reviewing its most recent IRS disclosure form, released in November 2025 and covering 2024, I noticed that OpenAI had removed “safe” from its mission statement, among other changes. This change in wording coincided with the transformation from a non-profit organization to a company that was increasingly focused on profits.
OpenAI is currently facing several lawsuits related to the security of its products, making this change news. Many of the plaintiffs suing the AI company allege psychological manipulation, wrongful death and assisted suicide, while others have filed negligence claims.
As a scholar of nonprofit accountability and social governance,…
