Democratic Society at Risk from Secrecy of Major AI Companies, according to Research

by Team Confer · April 26, 2025

Recent analyses have raised significant concerns about the lack of transparency among leading artificial intelligence (AI) companies, suggesting that this secrecy could pose risks to democratic societies.

A report by researchers from Stanford, MIT, and Princeton evaluated ten major AI models on 100 transparency indicators, revealing that none scored above 54 out of 100. This opacity makes it challenging to assess potential biases, safety issues, and the broader societal impacts of these AI systems.

Critics argue that the secretive nature of AI development allows companies to prioritize profit over ethical considerations and public safety. Instances such as Meta’s labeling of its Llama family of AI models as “open-source” have been criticized for misleading users and diluting the term’s meaning.

Additionally, the lack of transparency has been linked to potential national security vulnerabilities, with reports indicating that AI datacenters are susceptible to espionage and sabotage, particularly from foreign entities.

Context & Background

The rapid advancement of AI technologies has led to their integration into various aspects of daily life, from job applications to medical decisions. However, this integration has often occurred without sufficient public awareness or governmental oversight, raising concerns about potential biases and discriminatory practices inherent in AI systems. The European Union has responded by implementing the Artificial Intelligence Act, aiming to establish a common regulatory framework for AI within member states. Despite such efforts, the global AI industry continues to grapple with balancing innovation, transparency, and ethical considerations.

In This Story

Meta Platforms, Inc.

Meta Platforms, Inc., formerly known as Facebook, is a multinational technology conglomerate that owns and operates Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, among other products and services.

OpenAI

OpenAI is an artificial intelligence research organization focused on developing and promoting friendly AI for the benefit of humanity.

You may also like