The surprise resignation of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman sent shockwaves through the tech world and led to unprecedented confrontation between board members and employees.
In addition to being the CEO of ChatGPT, a chatbot that has taken exams and written books, Altman is one of the leading figures in the world of artificial intelligence.
Why was Sam Altman fired?
On Friday, November 17, OpenAI’s board announced that it had fired Altman because “he was not consistently transparent in his communications with the board of directors” and thereby “impeded OpenAI’s ability to carry out its responsibilities.”
While the board did not provide additional details about the communications in question, Emmett Shear, Altman’s successor as interim CEO, said the personnel shakeup was not due to disagreements over security.
Many technology experts have expressed concern that artificial intelligence companies like OpenAI are moving too fast and could pose a security risk.
What has happened since then?
Over the weekend, OpenAI investors, including Microsoft, tried to reinstate Altman, but were unsuccessful.
OpenAI employees are distraught over Altman’s dismissal. More than 700 employees (about 95 percent) sent an open letter to the board threatening to resign and join Microsoft, OpenAI’s largest investor, unless the board resigns and Altman appoints him.
However, Microsoft confirmed Monday that it has hired Altman and former OpenAI President Greg Brockman to lead a new artificial intelligence research unit.
“Satya [Microsoft boss Satya Nadella] and my top priority remains ensuring OpenAI continues to thrive,” Altman tweeted.
“We are committed to providing complete business continuity for our partners and customers. The collaboration between OpenAI and Microsoft makes this possible.”
What does this mean for the future of AI?
With key players moving away from OpenAI to Microsoft, it’s likely that work on cutting-edge AI will continue as before under the tech giant’s leadership.
Altman focuses on research into “how to create superintelligence,” or artificial general intelligence (AGI), an artificial intelligence system that can perform tasks at or above human intelligence.
In a recent interview with the magazine Financial timesHe said, “The idea is to create AGI, figure out how to make it safe… and figure out the benefits.”
Source: I News
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