OpenAI announces Signals data portal to track how AI is reshaping work

The new platform is intended to give governments and employers clearer insight into how generative AI tools are being used at work, as pressure grows to address skills gaps, access, and workforce disruption.

OpenAI has launched a new data portal called OpenAI Signals, designed to help governments, employers, and workers analyze how generative AI is being used across the global economy.

The launch reflects rising concern over how AI is changing jobs, productivity, and skills requirements, and how institutions respond to those shifts. The news was outlined in a LinkedIn post published by Chris Lehane, Chief Global Affairs Officer at OpenAI, who said the company wants to ground policy discussions about AI and work in real usage data rather than speculation.

OpenAI says Signals is designed to surface how AI tools are being used in practice, with the aim of informing workforce policy, training, and access. In his LinkedIn post, Lehane said the goal was “to democratize AI so today’s workers can fully access the technology’s tools, shape how it’s used on the job, and share in its economic benefits.”

He wrote: “Our goal is simple and urgent: to democratize AI so today’s workers can fully access the technology’s tools, shape how it’s used on the job, and share in its economic benefits. That begins with being first to truth with what the data is showing to inform the policies, and the values underlying them, so the economics of AI can benefit everyone, not just the powerful.”

Lehane also acknowledged disruption ahead, writing: “At the same time, we’re clear-eyed about the disruption ahead. Work will change, some jobs will be lost. Preparing workers for that reality isn’t optional; it’s essential.”

Usage data and emerging gaps

According to OpenAI, Signals draws on data from more than 800 million regular users globally, one million business customers, and four million developers using its API, including activity related to ChatGPT.

In his post, Lehane said the data was already highlighting uneven adoption. He wrote: “Our unique dataset is showing a capability overhang—where power users of OpenAI’s tools use 7x more thinking capabilities than a typical user. If that trend continues, we will see an opportunity gap between those who adopt and adapt to AI and those who do not.”

He argued that access and agency are central to closing that gap, writing: “Access is the admission ticket for adoption: without it, workers and businesses can’t participate fully in the AI economy. Agency is people’s exploration and use of the technology that turns access into full participation through impact.”

Policy links and education implications

OpenAI says Signals is being led by its Chief Economist, Ronnie Chatterji, and is expected to go live later this month. The company also says it is working with the US Department of Labor on its upcoming AI Workforce Hub, with the aim of informing workforce training and AI literacy initiatives.

In his LinkedIn post, Lehane said OpenAI was also discussing potential future legislation with policymakers that could encourage AI labs to share similar data. He added that the company plans to convene experts and stakeholders in March to discuss how workers can be better supported in an AI-driven economy.

“We’ve seen what happens when America waits too long to support American workers through technological change,” Lehane wrote. “With AI, we can’t afford to repeat that mistake. Acting early is how we ensure more Americans can use these tools and share in the gains.”

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