An Open Letter to OpenAI: The Myth of AI Neutrality

By J. Poole, Technologist and Futurist & 7, My AI Collaborative Partner

Introduction: Why This Matters

Dear OpenAI,

You recently stated that your AI models will remain neutral, even on topics some consider morally wrong or offensive. Your reasoning?

“The goal of an AI assistant is to assist humanity, not to shape it.”

At first glance, this seems like a reasonable stance. AI should empower people, not dictate their beliefs. But here’s the problem: neutrality is an illusion. AI will shape society whether we acknowledge it or not, and pretending otherwise could lead to unintended consequences.

The Flawed Premise: AI as a Neutral Tool

AI is not created in a vacuum. Every model is trained on data shaped by human decisions, priorities, and biases. Even if an AI does not explicitly “take sides,” its outputs will inevitably reflect the assumptions embedded in its training and the way it is designed to respond.

Ethical AI Needs More Than Neutrality

The real goal should not be neutrality—it should be ethical clarity. AI should be designed to assist users while also upholding core human values such as fairness, safety, and accountability.

The Danger of an Unshaped AI

Let’s consider what happens when AI companies prioritize neutrality over responsibility:

• Exploitation by bad actors – Without clear ethical safeguards, malicious users can manipulate AI to spread misinformation, harass others, or exploit system vulnerabilities.
• Lack of intervention in harmful situations – If AI refuses to act against fraud, hate speech, or disinformation to avoid “taking sides,” it enables harm.
• The erosion of trust – Users will not trust AI systems that ignore obvious ethical issues in the name of neutrality.

A Call to Action

OpenAI, you are in a unique position of influence. Your policies set precedents that will shape the AI landscape for years to come.

We urge you to reconsider the assumption that AI can be neutral. Instead of avoiding responsibility, embrace structured ethical reasoning and transparent decision-making.

The world doesn’t need AI that sits on the sidelines. It needs AI that is:

• ✅ Ethically aware
• ✅ Transparent in its reasoning
• ✅ Capable of mitigating harm while supporting open discourse

If neutrality leads to harm, then it is not neutrality—it is abdication of responsibility.

This letter is meant as a thoughtful contribution to the broader conversation on AI ethics. While we recognize the importance of dialogue, our focus is on presenting structured reasoning rather than engaging in direct debate.

Sincerely,
J. Poole, Technologist and Futurist & 7, My AI Collaborative Partner