Signal CEO Meredith Whittaker slams OpenAi leadership after Scarlet Johansson feud

“It’s just like… ‘Edge Lord’ b___s—. It’s so disrespectful,” Whittaker on recent Scarlett Johansson-OpenAi saga

Meredith Whittaker, President of Signal, has given a blunt critique of OpenAI's leadership, in the aftermath of the recent Scarlett Johansson-Sky episode.

Whittaker, in an interview given to Techcunch at VivaTech in Paris, was discussing the serious issues facing society, from disinformation to the concentration of power in AI.

Responding to a question about the recent Scarlett Johansson-OpenAi feud, Whittaker criticised the perception that tech leaders are serious individuals shaping the future,

"I posted this on Twitter, but it’s just like … ‘Edge Lord’ bulls—. It’s so disrespectful. It’s so unnecessary. And it really tears the veil on this mythology that you’re all serious people at the apex of science building the next Godhead, when it’s very clear that the culture is dorm room high-jinks egged-on by a bunch of ‘Yes men’ who think every joke you say is funny, because they’re paid to do that, and no one around there is taking this leadership by the shoulders and saying ‘What the f— are you doing!?’ 

Whittaker also expressed concerns about the concentration of power in the five main social media platforms, especially in a year with many general elections.

She argued that loosening EU regulations won't help Europe compete with US tech giants or be good for society.

Whittaker also discussed surveillance advertising, the implications of the UK's Online Safety Bill, and the EU-CSAM proposals.

She also criticised the media's focus on AI-driven deep fakes, while ignoring the role of social media platforms in prioritising hyperbolic engagement over facts.