Ex-OpenAI director calls for greater disclosure and auditing of AI companies

• "Left to their own devices it looks like AI companies might go in a similar direction to social media companies," said Toner, who is a director at Georgetown's Center for Security and Emerging Technology.

The big picture: Toner's call represents the Georgetown researcher's strongest call to action since she exited the OpenAI board following the failed ouster of CEO Sam Altman.

Between the lines: Toner said the AI debate often gets described as a choice between stepping on the gas or slamming on the brakes. She said what she wants is a clear windshield and better steering.

• "We don't have any agreement on what we are trying to build," Toner said, or on "what the roadmap looks like from here."

Toner called for a wider swath of society to weigh in on what they want out of AI.

• "Don't be intimidated by the technology or the people building it," Toner said. "You don't have to be a scientist or engineer to have a voice."

Context: Toner's comments followed a series of optimistic talks on the future of AI from Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis, investor Vinod Khosla and others, with the technology again a major focus of the weeklong event in Vancouver.