OpenAI Secretly Funded Group Pushing Age Verification for AI

The Parents and Kids Safe AI Coalition was entirely funded by OpenAI, despite not disclosing the tech giant's involvement.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 9:51pm by Ben Kaplan

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A report has revealed that the Parents and Kids Safe AI Coalition, a group pushing for California legislation that would require age verification for AI users, was secretly funded by OpenAI. The coalition did not disclose OpenAI's involvement, leading some child safety advocates to unknowingly support the bill. OpenAI has pledged $10 million to the effort, which could benefit the company's own age verification services.

Why it matters

This revelation raises concerns about transparency and potential conflicts of interest. OpenAI's undisclosed funding of the coalition calls into question the true motivations behind the proposed legislation, which could benefit the company's own business interests.

The details

The Parents and Kids Safe AI Coalition was formed to advocate for the Parents and Kids Safe AI Act, a California bill that would mandate age verification and additional safeguards for AI users under 18. While the coalition reached out to child safety groups for support, it did not disclose that OpenAI was the group's biggest funder, providing an estimated $10 million. This led some organizations to unknowingly align themselves with OpenAI's agenda.

  • The Parents and Kids Safe AI Act was proposed earlier this year in 2026.
  • OpenAI pledged $10 million to the coalition in January 2026, according to a Wall Street Journal report.

The players

Parents and Kids Safe AI Coalition

A California-based group formed to advocate for the Parents and Kids Safe AI Act, which would require age verification and additional safeguards for AI users under 18.

OpenAI

An artificial intelligence research company that secretly funded the Parents and Kids Safe AI Coalition, despite not disclosing its involvement.

Sam Altman

The CEO of OpenAI, whose company provides age verification services, which could potentially benefit from the proposed legislation.

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What they’re saying

“It's a very grimy feeling. To find out they're trying to sneak around behind the scenes and do something like this — I don't want to say they're outright lying, but they're sending emails that are pretty misleading.”

— Unnamed nonprofit leader

What’s next

The California legislature will continue to debate the Parents and Kids Safe AI Act, with increased scrutiny on OpenAI's involvement and potential conflicts of interest.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability when it comes to tech companies' involvement in shaping policy, especially when their own business interests could be at stake.