Reports suggest that a confidential AI initiative named 'Q' (pronounced Q-Star) within OpenAI, potentially posing a threat to humanity, might have played a role in Sam Altman's departure as CEO from the company behind ChatGPT.
According to sources, a group of researchers within OpenAI penned a letter cautioning the board about the potential risks associated with a groundbreaking AI advancement, expressing concerns about its implications for humanity.
This letter is believed to have been a pivotal factor contributing to Altman's removal, mentioned in a Reuters report citing insider information. It's been indicated that this letter was one among multiple grievances cited by the board, leading to Altman's dismissal.
The researchers responsible for the letter have chosen not to comment on this matter, and OpenAI has remained silent as well.
The development of the 'Q-Star' project by the creators of ChatGPT marked progress in the pursuit of superintelligence, also referred to as artificial general intelligence (AGI).
Reports indicate that Mira Murati, a senior executive at OpenAI, conveyed to employees that the letter played a role in prompting the board's decision to dismiss Altman last week. However, an OpenAI spokesperson refrained from confirming the accuracy of the reported information.
Contrarily, a source familiar with the situation informed The Verge that the board had not received any such letter discussing a significant breakthrough. Altman, on Wednesday, announced his return to the ChatGPT development company with the backing of a new board and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella's support.
Upon their return, OpenAI's president and co-founder Greg Brockman shared a photo with his team, marking the occasion.
(With Agency Inputs)
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