Renowned whistleblower Edward Snowden has delivered a scathing critique of OpenAI, the leading artificial intelligence research organization, following their recent decision to appoint retired US Army General Paul Nakasone to their board of directors. Nakasone, who previously served as the head of the National Security Agency (NSA) from 2018 to 2023, brings extensive experience in cybersecurity and intelligence operations to the table.

Snowden, known for his disclosures on global surveillance programs conducted by the NSA, took to X social media to express his alarm. Quoting a tweet by @MarioNawfal discussing Nakasone's potential role in enhancing AI's capabilities in cybersecurity, Snowden accused OpenAI of revealing its true intentions. "OpenAI has gone full mask-off," he tweeted, issuing a stark warning to his followers: "Do not ever trust OpenAI or its products (ChatGPT etc)."

In a pointed remark, Snowden suggested that the appointment of a former NSA director signals a deliberate and calculated betrayal of privacy rights worldwide. "This is a willful, calculated betrayal of the rights of every person on Earth," he stated emphatically, concluding with a chilling admonition: "You have been warned."

The controversy surrounding OpenAI's strategic direction has also drawn criticism from tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, who has been vocal about his concerns over the organization's alliances and data practices. Musk, founder of xAI startup, expressed skepticism towards OpenAI's growing influence, particularly under Sam Altman's leadership, which Musk perceives as embracing a "woke" ideology.

Earlier this week, Musk highlighted OpenAI's collaboration with Apple to integrate ChatGPT across all Apple devices, a move he vehemently opposes. Threatening drastic measures, Musk asserted that he would ban all Apple products from his companies if such integration were to proceed. His primary apprehension centers on potential data access by OpenAI and the implications for user privacy.

As the debate intensifies over the intersection of AI, privacy, and corporate responsibility, Snowden's and Musk's criticisms underscore broader anxieties within the tech community regarding the ethical and security implications of AI advancements.