Miles Brundage, a prominent independent AI policy researcher and former Head of Policy Research at OpenAI, has voiced concerns regarding recent product changes on AI platforms, specifically the potential removal of the "model picker" feature for users without premium subscriptions. Brundage suggested that such changes could lead to significant user dissatisfaction, potentially even "protests," if not for his own "Pro account" status. His comments underscore a growing debate about user agency and access within the rapidly evolving artificial intelligence landscape.
The "model picker" feature allows users of AI platforms, such as OpenAI's ChatGPT, to select different underlying AI models for their interactions, offering flexibility and control over the AI's capabilities. Recent adjustments by major AI providers have seen a shift in model availability, with some "legacy models" becoming unavailable to free or certain paid tiers, while premium "Pro," "Team," and "Enterprise" accounts retain broader access. This tiered approach to model access has sparked discussions among the user base.
Brundage's tweet, stating, > "Fortunately I have a Pro account and thus am not at risk of having the model picker taken away from me (?) but if that were not the case I might be leading protests for Pause AI," links the product changes to broader AI governance discussions. His reference to "Pause AI" aligns with a movement advocating for a temporary halt or slowdown in advanced AI development, often citing concerns about control, safety, and societal impact. Brundage himself is known for his advocacy for responsible AI development and policy.
The sentiment expressed by Brundage reflects a tension between AI companies' efforts to streamline user experience and optimize resource allocation, and users' desire for granular control and transparency over the AI models they interact with. As AI capabilities continue to advance, decisions around feature accessibility and model defaults are increasingly scrutinized by both the user community and policy experts concerned with the broader implications of AI deployment. The ongoing evolution of AI platform features highlights the dynamic interplay between technological progress, business strategy, and user expectations.