Artificial intelligence (AI) has become the buzzword of 2023, with the world's biggest companies launching their suite of AI services not just for consumers, but for businesses as well. While AI technology has been growing for some time, it is safe to say that this revolution really kicked off when OpenAI launched its AI chatbot ChatGPT in November 2022. Since then, rapid advancements have taken place in the field, with companies like Microsoft and Google releasing their AI services. AI for business has also become highly sought after, with companies leveraging the new tech to grow their business and offer more services to consumers. However, OpenAI Chief Operating Officer Brad Lightcap thinks this technology is overhyped. He also revealed some details about the shock resignation and the eventual return of CEO Sam Altman.
Sam Altman's return to OpenAI reaches impasse over board role
20.11.2023 - 02:41 / tech.hindustantimes.com / Mira Murati / Ilya Sutskever
On November 17, the abrupt announcement of the sacking of OpenAI Sam Altman sent shockwaves around the tech sector. The news came as a surprise as just a few days prior, Altman was on stage at the first-ever OpenAI developer day, announcing new features coming to ChatGPT, its artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot, as well as the company's other AI ventures. Amidst the confusion following Altman's sacking, reports claimed that his sacking followed a series of disagreements between Altman and his board - in particular OpenAI co-founder and the company's chief scientist Ilya Sutskever.
Alongside, Greg Brockman was also asked to step down from his position as the chairman of the board. Following that, Brockman also resigned from the company from his role as president. However, soon after there were reports claiming that OpenAI investors weren't happy at all with Altman's sacking, and want the former CEO back. However, the discussion seems to have reached an impasse over the makeup and the role of the board, Bloomberg reported quoting people familiar with the matter.
“OpenAI leaders pushing to reinstate Altman include Interim CEO Mira Murati, Chief Strategy Officer Jason Kwon and Chief Operating Officer Brad Lightcap, according to a person with knowledge of the discussions”, the report stated.
Altman, who was fired Friday, is open to returning but wants to see governance changes — including the removal of existing board members, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the negotiations are private. After facing intense pressure following their decision to fire Altman Friday, the board agreed in principle to step down, but have so far refused to officially do so.
As of midday Sunday, the board had not resigned out of concern over who could replace them, and were vetting candidates, one of the people said.
At the center of the high-stakes negotiations between investors, staff members and the board is Microsoft Corp. CEO Satya Nadella. Nadella has been leading the charge on talks between the different factions, some of the people said. A breakthrough would pave the way for a speedy return by Altman, possibly as soon as Sunday.
Bret Taylor, the former co-CEO of Salesforce Inc., will be on the new board, several people said. Another possible addition is an executive from Redmond, Washington-based Microsoft, OpenAI's largest shareholder — but Microsoft hasn't decided whether it wants board representation, some people said.
The company's staff has expressed support for Altman. In memo to staff on Saturday, Lightcap said Altman's ousting “took us all by surprise” and that “we have had multiple conversations with the board to try to better understand the reasons and process behind their decision.”
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Sam Altman speaks out on being fired by OpenAI and bearing no ill-will against Ilya Sutskever
In a recent turn of events, Sam Altman, co-founder of OpenAI, has reclaimed his position as the CEO of OpenAI after a tumultuous episode involving his shocking initial dismissal and subsequent reinstatement. The lingering question that has stayed in many people's minds is the reason behind this unexpected sequence of events. During an interview with The Verge, Altman addressed this query and more. While refraining from disclosing the initial cause of his dismissal, he expressed his joy at rejoining the company. Altman emphasised that the matter is still under investigation, urging that such questions should be directed to the OpenAI board rather than himself.
Sam Altman officially returns as OpenAI CEO; Microsoft gets a seat on the board too
OpenAI has been through a lot of dramatic changes over these past few weeks with the board members firing the company CEO Sam Altman. While the feud did not last long and Altman eventually made his way back as OpenAI CEO, the company has made significant changes in their board with three new members and Microsoft is also getting a seat on the board, however, as a silent member. Check Microsoft's role in the OpenAI board and how it will function to ensure the company's success.
Sam Altman’s Firing Might Have Been Due To An Artificial Intelligence Breakthrough That Threatens Humanity
The five-day drama, which showcased the firing of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and then reinstating him as the company’s Chief Executive, is just another example of how haywire the realm of Silicon Valley can be. However, Altman’s firing was not due to him maintaining a rebellious attitude with the board but due to an AI breakthrough discovery by OpenAI researchers that could potentially be dangerous to humanity.
What does Sam Altman's firing — and quick reinstatement — mean for the future of AI?
It's been quite a week for ChatGPT-maker OpenAI — and co-founder Sam Altman.
5 things about AI you may have missed today: PM Modi says AI must be made safe; Sam Altman rejoins OpenAI, more
Today, November 22, marked another massive day for artificial intelligence with big announcements across the ecosystem. OpenAI finally appears to have resolved the week-long turmoil as the company announced that ousted CEO Sam Altman will be reinstated to his position. In other news, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the negative effect of AI at the virtual summit of G20 nations. He said that AI must be made safe for society and its dangers must be understood. This and more in today's AI roundup. Let us take a closer look.
Here is what allowed OpenAI to sack Sam Altman
Unlike Google, Facebook and other tech giants, the company behind ChatGPT was not created to be a business. It was set up as a nonprofit by founders who hoped that it wouldn't be beholden to commercial interests.
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Sam Altman, OpenAI Board Open Talks to Negotiate His Possible Return
Sam Altman and members of the OpenAI board have opened negotiations aimed at a possible return of the ousted co-founder and chief executive officer to the artificial intelligence company, according to people with knowledge of the matter.
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From Sam Altman's OpenAI ouster to Microsoft AI research CEO | TIMELINE
Following a surprise ouster, OpenAI co-founder and former CEO Sam Altman joined Microsoft as the head of artificial intelligence research along with the ChatGPT maker's former President Greg Brockman and other staff. The developments come less than a year after OpenAI kicked off the generative AI frenzy with the launch of viral chatbot ChatGPT and bagged Microsoft as an investor, among other big names.