OpenAI has abandoned him, Altman has gone under Gates’ wings

OpenAI shocked the world with the swift dismissal of co-founder Sam Altman from the position of CEO. Altman was, for many, the ‘face’ of the ChatGPT bot, and the terse explanation sparked speculation that the company was once again divided over profit.

The OpenAI board removed Altman from his position as CEO last Friday, claiming he had lost their trust. His role has been temporarily taken over by the company’s Chief Technology Officer, Mira Murati.

In their explanation for the dismissal, board members stated only that he had not ‘always been honest in communication’, making it difficult for them to perform their duties. They did not specify in what he was allegedly not honest, notes the BBC.

The dismissal of the co-founder of OpenAI, which introduced the ChatGPT bot to the public less than a year ago and enjoys a great reputation in tech circles, was unexpected and dramatic, triggering a wave of rumors, the BBC notes.

The company approached a valuation of $80 billion in October, indicating that the problem is not financial.

Perhaps the issue lies in technology, speculates the BBC, noting that Altman wrote a few days ago that ChatGPT is struggling to cope with ‘waves of demand’ and that it must pause subscriber registration for the highest level of services.

– But was that enough for Altman to be fired – asks the BBC.

Musk is silent

In discussions with world leaders about the risks and benefits of new technology, Altman conveyed that artificial intelligence is ‘a tool, not a living being‘ and seemed genuinely concerned that it could one day spiral out of control.

Just two weeks ago, he was in the UK at the first global summit on artificial intelligence safety, and last week he delivered a speech about the future of OpenAI and its technology.

Numerous heads of tech giants in Silicon Valley expressed their support for him, including former Google CEO Eric Schmidt. He is my hero, Schmidt said.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella stated that he has ‘confidence’ in OpenAI, but that could be expected given that Microsoft has invested billions in the company and that ChatGPT technology is now integrated into Microsoft Office applications.

However, the silence of Elon Musk, who co-founded OpenAI with Altman and a group of his associates, is notable. They later parted ways as Musk insisted on a non-profit status.

Rumors are circulating that it was precisely the change in status and the desire for profit that once again divided the company, the BBC notes.