OpenAI Hires George Osborne to Expand Stargate Datacentre Program Globally Amid Big Tech's Political Ties
OpenAI has appointed George Osborne to lead OpenAI for Countries, a new initiative aiming to collaborate with governments and extend the Stargate datacentre program beyond the United States. OpenAI for Countries plans to embed its models and infrastructure directly within state operations and is reportedly in discussions with around 50 countries to supply critical national infrastructure.
This development reflects a broader trend of major technology companies employing former politicians to serve as diplomatic figures, highlighting how these firms are increasingly acting in quasi-governmental roles. Examples include Nick Clegg’s appointment as Meta’s head of global affairs and Rishi Sunak’s advisory roles with Microsoft and Anthropic, illustrating close ties between political leadership and corporate strategy.
The author advocates for greater transparency in these relationships, calling on governments to disclose details regarding OpenAI for Countries partnerships and to scrutinize investments like Stargate as essential infrastructure. Given the extensive lobbying activities by tech firms—totaling €151 million in Europe and surpassing that of leading pharma, finance, and automotive firms combined—democracies face new challenges. Consequently, tech companies functioning as political actors should be approached with skepticism and subjected to rigorous journalistic and governmental oversight.
The article suggests that Stargate-style investments in digital infrastructure should be treated as national utilities, warranting careful study and regulation rather than being viewed through the lens of startup innovation.
