Ethics

Democratic lawmakers are scrutinizing David Sacks’ role as a special advisor to President Trump on crypto and AI, questioning his compliance with Special Government Employee (SGE) regulations, particularly the 130-day time limit. Senators Warren and Stansbury demand transparency regarding Sacks’s time in office, alleging potential conflicts of interest as the administration implements new crypto legislation. Critics worry Sacks’s private sector activities could unduly influence policy decisions, despite his disclosure of selling over $200 million in digital assets before assuming his role. The inquiry reflects broader concerns about ethical standards and potential regulatory capture.

HII, a leading defense technologies provider, announced the 2025 Compass Award recipients, recognizing five employees for their contributions to ethical conduct and compliance. This award, part of HII’s broader strategy to strengthen ethical behavior and risk management, underscores the importance of integrity in operations. EVP Paul Harris emphasized accountability and ethical leadership. HII’s commitment aims to improve investor confidence, secure government contracts, and maintain trust in a competitive market. The focus on compliance reduces risk and helps the company deliver defense capabilities effectively.

ByteDance terminated two former employees involved in its Doubao large language model team for violating conflict of interest policies. A Seed team employee and their supporting HRBP failed to disclose their close relationship and made false statements during an investigation. The company dismissed both employees, withheld bonuses, and highlighted its commitment to ethical standards amid rapid AI growth. This follows a broader crackdown on internal misconduct at ByteDance.

“The OpenAI Files” report reveals a company shift from its founding mission of prioritizing AI safety to focusing on profit. Former employees allege CEO Sam Altman’s leadership fuels this change, citing concerns about untrustworthiness and a culture that de-emphasizes safety. They advocate for restoring the non-profit core, enforcing profit caps, and implementing independent oversight to safeguard AI’s future, emphasizing the need for ethical considerations in this powerful technology’s development.