A shareholder of Berkshire Hathaway, the multinational conglomerate led by Warren Buffett, is urging the company to establish a committee of independent directors to oversee artificial intelligence (AI) risks. Tulipshare, an activist investment group based in London, submitted the proposal ahead of Berkshire’s annual meeting, scheduled for May 3. The resolution calls for the formation of a dedicated committee to monitor AI-related issues across the diverse businesses in Berkshire’s portfolio.
The proposal highlights the potential risks associated with AI, such as data breaches, privacy violations, business disruptions, and human rights concerns. Tulipshare argues that due to Berkshire’s vast influence across multiple industries, the company is in a unique position to lead in AI governance and ensure responsible use of the technology.
Berkshire’s spokesperson, Debbie Bosanek, confirmed that the proposal will be included in the company’s proxy statement. Warren Buffett has previously acknowledged AI’s significant potential, both for positive impact and harm. In a 2023 meeting, Buffett expressed unease about AI-generated content when an image and message surfaced that appeared to come from him, despite being fabricated.
However, Berkshire’s governance structure has traditionally been resistant to shareholder proposals calling for independent oversight. Buffett holds significant voting power—controlling over 30% of Berkshire’s voting shares—which makes it challenging for shareholder resolutions to succeed without his endorsement. Last year, a similar proposal to create an independent oversight committee for safety at Berkshire’s BNSF railroad received minimal support from shareholders.
Tulipshare argues that an AI oversight committee would align with Berkshire’s decentralized business model by providing unified oversight without disrupting the day-to-day operations of its subsidiaries. Given Buffett’s personal concerns about AI, particularly deepfake technology, the activist group suggests the proposal might gain traction.
Berkshire Hathaway owns a wide range of companies, including Geico, Brooks, See’s Candies, and Berkshire Hathaway Energy, in addition to its investments in major tech firms like Apple and Amazon. Despite Buffett’s long-standing leadership since 1965, the proposal signals growing shareholder interest in responsible AI governance within large corporations.
