We Will Not Be Divided: Tech Workers Unite Against Industry Fragmentation

The tech industry is witnessing an unprecedented wave of collective action as current and former employees from Google and OpenAI have launched an open letter titled "We Will Not Be Divided." This grassroots initiative aims to address growing concerns about the fragmentation of AI development and the ethical implications of competing tech giants racing toward artificial general intelligence.

The movement, which allows participants to sign anonymously with verified employment status, has created a secure platform for tech workers to voice their concerns without fear of professional retaliation. The organizers have implemented multiple verification methods, including email confirmation, Google Form authentication, and alternative proof of employment options for those who prefer not to use work credentials.

Why This Matters Now

The timing of this initiative reflects mounting tensions within the AI industry. As companies like Google and OpenAI compete fiercely for market dominance, employees are increasingly worried about the long-term consequences of prioritizing speed over safety and collaboration over ethical considerations. The letter's organizers argue that the current competitive landscape is creating dangerous silos of knowledge and development that could have catastrophic consequences if left unchecked.

The Verification Process

Understanding the sensitive nature of this initiative, the organizers have developed a robust verification system that balances transparency with privacy. Participants can choose from several options:

• Email verification: A standard confirmation link sent to work email addresses
• Google Form authentication: Sign-in through work Google accounts without inbox notifications
• Alternative verification: For former employees or those preferring different methods, including badge photos, Signal messages, or co-signer verification

All personal data is automatically deleted within 24 hours of verification, and only one organizer reviews anonymous signatures to maintain confidentiality.

The Growing Movement

While the letter currently focuses on Google and OpenAI employees, the organizers have indicated they're considering expanding the initiative to include workers from other major tech companies involved in AI development. This potential expansion reflects the widespread nature of concerns about industry practices and the need for unified ethical standards.

Security and Infrastructure

The platform hosting the letter emphasizes security and transparency about its infrastructure. The organizers have addressed common concerns about data handling, verification accuracy, and the potential for mistakes in the signature process. They've also created a comprehensive FAQ section to address technical and procedural questions from potential signatories.

What's Next

As the movement gains momentum, several key questions remain: How will the tech giants respond to this collective action from within their ranks? Will other companies' employees join the initiative? And most importantly, can this internal pressure create meaningful change in how AI development is approached across the industry?

The initiative represents a significant shift in how tech workers are engaging with the ethical implications of their work. Rather than remaining silent or leaving companies over ethical concerns, employees are now organizing collectively to demand accountability and responsible development practices from within the industry itself.

For those interested in following or participating in this movement, the organizers have made the letter and verification process accessible through their platform, with clear guidelines for both anonymous and public signatories. The success of this initiative could set a precedent for how tech workers advocate for ethical standards in an industry that increasingly shapes our collective future.