The ethical regulation of artificial intelligence and the role of corporate structures in this process remain key topics for discussion in 2025. Particular attention is paid to the independence and real effectiveness of so-called ethics committees and boards within technology companies. Some leading AI developers, such as OpenAI, Anthropic, and xAI, have adopted the legal form of a 'benefit corporation.' Theoretically, this obliges them to consider not only the financial interests of shareholders but also broader public interests, such as the safety, transparency, and fairness of AI technologies, when making decisions. However, critics and market observers express concerns that such structures may prove insufficiently effective in practice and could lead to a phenomenon known as 'governance washing' — creating the appearance of responsible governance and ethical oversight without real changes in corporate policy or significant influence on product development. The situation surrounding OpenAI is often cited as an example, as it has faced accusations of departing from its original non-profit mission to safely develop AI for the benefit of all humanity. These accusations have become the subject of public discussions, internal conflicts, lawsuits, and even proposals for restructuring or buying out the company to return to its founding principles.
AI Ethics Committees: Debates on Effectiveness and Independence in 2025
