OpenAI has deleted the word ‘safely’ from its mission – and its new structure is a test for whether AI serves society or shareholders
Hacker News
February 13, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, has made a significant shift by removing the word “safely” from its mission statement and transitioning from a nonprofit to a for-profit organization. This change reflects a growing focus on profitability over emphasizing safety, which raises questions about how AI companies balance societal benefits with shareholder interests. OpenAI’s restructuring comes amid several lawsuits alleging product safety issues, including claims of psychological manipulation and wrongful harm. The move has drawn attention as a test case for how society should oversee organizations with the potential to cause significant harm or provide immense benefits.
Originally founded in 2015 as a nonprofit research lab, OpenAI aimed to make its AI developments publicly available and royalty-free. However, financial pressures led to the creation of a for-profit subsidiary in 2019, attracting major investments from Microsoft and others. By 2024, Microsoft’s investment had grown to $13 billion. A new round of funding in late 2024 required OpenAI to convert into a traditional for-profit business, allowing investors to own shares and potentially hold board seats. This shift culminated in October 2025 with an agreement to split into two entities: the nonprofit OpenAI Foundation and the for-profit OpenAI Group, structured as a public benefit corporation.
As a public benefit corporation, OpenAI must consider societal interests alongside profits and issue annual benefit reports. However, the board retains discretion over how to balance these priorities. This new structure aims to attract more investment while addressing concerns about AI’s ethical use. SoftBank’s $41 billion investment in OpenAI shortly after the restructuring highlights the potential for significant growth. The removal of “safely” from its mission statement and its pivot to a profit-driven model signal a departure from its original focus on ensuring AI benefits humanity without financial constraints.
The implications of OpenAI’s restructuring extend beyond its own operations. It raises critical questions about how society will oversee tech companies with the power to transform lives for better or worse. The case sets a precedent for balancing innovation, profitability, and ethical responsibility in AI development. As OpenAI navigates this new path, it serves as a test case for whether AI organizations can
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Originally published on Hacker News on 2/13/2026