OpenAI May Have Dismissed CEO Altman To Avert Release Of Human-Threatening AI Model

The OpenAI Sam Altman saga might have come to an end for now with the co-founder's reinstatement as CEO, but there's still so much we don't know about the circumstances that led to his removal. The OpenAI board abruptly removed Sam Altman from his position without offering a comprehensive explanation.

Soon after his removal, Altman and his colleagues were offered positions at Microsoft to run a new AI team. However, Altman sound found his way back to OpenAI as CEO, but it all still remains shrouded in mystery.

Reuters

Why did OpenAI remove Altman?

OpenAI, at that time, blamed his dismissal on lack of transparent communication with the company. However, a report from an anonymous OpenAI employee states that the company was on the verge of developing an artificial general intelligence (AGI) model codenamed Q* that could threaten humanity.

Under Altman, OpenAI may have deployed Q* quickly because of his approach. However, some employees thought that the model was dangerous for humans. Perhaps this was the real reason for Altman's dismissal.

Also read: Sam Altman's Dramatic Return To OpenAI As CEO Unfolds With A New Board

An employee told Reuters that Q* (pronounced as Q-Star) marks a major breakthrough in OpenAI's AGI research. AGI is way more powerful than AI - it can solve complex problems, generalise information, and learn from its mistakes in a way eerily similar to human beings.

Reuters

Why is Q* possibly dangerous?

The source claims that OpenAI had almost developed Q* and this AGI could surpass humans in some economically valuable tasks. Naturally, Q* was being considered a significant breakthrough at OpenAI.

During tests, Q* reportedly solved mathematical problems without any training, even if at a high school level - it's still quite impressive. It seems that the OpenAI board was afraid that Altman would release Q* without assessing its negative outcomes.

Reuters

Also read: OpenAI Faces Mass Exodus: Nearly All Staff Contemplates Departure After Sam Altman¡¯s Exit

Even then, OpenAI has neither confirmed nor denied these speculations. For now, Altman is back at OpenAI as the CEO - but we might hear about AGI in the near-future.

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