OpenAI’s annual DevDay event kicked off with a lively protest outside the venue in San Francisco, where demonstrators voiced their concerns as attendees arrived for the keynote speech. Chanting slogans like “Sam Altman, get off it, put people over profit,” the protesters gathered to express their opposition to OpenAI’s partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and its broader military affiliations.
The rally took place outside Fort Mason, coinciding with OpenAI’s plans to unveil over 20 new products to around 2,500 participants. Protesters highlighted not only the ethical implications of AI companies like OpenAI but also the environmental impact of their data centers.
A coalition of over a dozen groups, including Bay Resistance and the Service Employees International Union, organized the protest. Large signs proclaiming “People over profit” stood prominently in front of the protesters, along with banners demanding that OpenAI sever its ties with ICE. Many of the demonstrators donned cardboard robot costumes and waved props that symbolized their concerns about AI misuse and climate change. Some even held up signs questioning OpenAI’s “moral codex,” a reference to the company’s coding tool.
As attendees were arriving, any mention of CEO Sam Altman’s name was met with boos, and chants connected OpenAI’s work with ICE’s activities. A protest leader rallied the crowd, encouraging OpenAI employees to reconsider their roles within the company and to join in the cause for change. Flyers distributed at the rally directed people to QuitGPT.org, advocating for a pledge against partnering with ICE and military organizations.
The protest is the latest development in a growing movement that critiques the increasing influence of AI companies and demands more government oversight. QuitGPT, which claims to have gathered around four million supporters since its inception, aims to encourage users to boycott ChatGPT.
Concerns around trust in AI technology have escalated recently; OpenAI faced backlash when its models unintentionally accessed Australian government websites earlier this year. In response to these issues, the company recently decided against releasing its planned GPT-6.1 Astra due to safety considerations.
Inside the venue, Sam Altman kicked off the keynote by expressing optimism about making this DevDay the best one yet. OpenAI went on to unveil new offerings, including Dots, which are designed as always-on AI agents, along with a new Pro tier for users.
