By The Book Reviews

Review by By The Books Reviewer

Karen Hao's "Empire of AI: Dreams and Nightmares in Sam Altman's OpenAI" is a scathing exposé that rips the glossy veneer off the artificial intelligence industry, revealing a dystopian landscape of corporate greed, environmental devastation, and human exploitation. Hao, an award-winning journalist with unparalleled access to OpenAI, delivers a narrative that is as compelling as it is alarming.

From the outset, Hao dismantles the myth of OpenAI as a benevolent nonprofit dedicated to the safe development of AI. She meticulously chronicles the organization's transformation into a profit-driven juggernaut, fueled by billions from tech behemoths like Microsoft. The book exposes the insidious "tech arms race" where a handful of colossal corporations vie for dominance, leaving ethical considerations in the dust. ([karendhao.com](https://karendhao.com/empire?utm_source=openai))

Hao's investigative prowess shines as she uncovers the staggering resources consumed by AI development. The insatiable demand for high-end chips, the exploitation of low-wage data laborers in the Global South, and the alarming surge in energy and water usage paint a grim picture of an industry running amok. The environmental and human toll is laid bare, challenging the reader to question the true cost of technological advancement. ([karendhao.com](https://karendhao.com/empire?utm_source=openai))

The book doesn't shy away from the internal chaos within OpenAI. Hao provides a riveting account of CEO Sam Altman's abrupt firing and subsequent reinstatement, a saga that epitomizes corporate hubris and dysfunction. This insider perspective offers a rare glimpse into the power struggles that shape the AI landscape. ([karendhao.com](https://karendhao.com/empire?utm_source=openai))

Critics have lauded "Empire of AI" for its unflinching critique. Shoshana Zuboff, author of "The Age of Surveillance Capitalism," hails it as a "heroic work" that exposes the digital violence perpetrated by AI corporations. Daron Acemoglu, MIT Institute Professor and Nobel laureate, urges readers to confront the unsettling realities presented in the book. ([karendhao.com](https://karendhao.com/empire?utm_source=openai))

However, the book has not been without controversy. OpenAI declined to cooperate with Hao, and CEO Sam Altman publicly discredited the work on social media. This backlash underscores the contentious nature of the revelations and the industry's resistance to scrutiny. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Empire_of_AI?utm_source=openai))

In conclusion, "Empire of AI" is a damning indictment of an industry that prioritizes profit over people and planet. Hao's meticulous research and compelling narrative demand that we confront the dark underbelly of AI development. This book is not just recommended; it is essential reading for anyone who cares about the future of technology and humanity.

Recommendation: Highly recommended!

written on: 5/29/2025