Browsing: Microsoft

Sam Altman, the ousted CEO of OpenAI, is returning to the company following a power struggle that led to his firing last week. OpenAI announced that Altman will resume his role as CEO with a new initial board. Former president Greg Brockman, who resigned in protest of Altman’s firing, will also return. The new board will be led by Bret Taylor and include Larry Summers and Adam D’Angelo. Altman’s return comes after the employees threatened to defect to Microsoft if the board didn’t resign.

Some Microsoft employees are unhappy that OpenAI employees are being offered jobs while Microsoft conducted layoffs, imposed a salary freeze, and cut bonuses. They feel like there are “different classes of employees.” However, others see potential benefits for themselves, such as an increase in Microsoft’s stock price. The new AI unit may not happen if OpenAI takes back its fired CEO.

OpenAI and Microsoft are facing a lawsuit over allegations of using the work of nonfiction authors without permission to train their AI models. The proposed class action, led by author Julian Sancton, claims that tens of thousands of nonfiction books were copied without authorization. This is the first author lawsuit against OpenAI to name Microsoft as a defendant. The authors are seeking monetary damages and a court order to stop the alleged infringement. Both companies have denied the allegations.

Sam Altman and co-founder Greg Brockman are willing to return to OpenAI if the board members who fired Altman step aside, say sources. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said it’s for the OpenAI board and employees to decide if Altman will become a Microsoft employee. The promised mass exodus of OpenAI employees, including board member Ilya Sutskever, is pressuring the board, with only two of the three remaining members needing to flip. Negotiations for Altman’s return reached a stalemate after he was fired, but attempts are being made to find a graceful exit for the board.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella expressed his commitment to OpenAI and former CEO Sam Altman, despite recent developments. Following the announcement that Altman and OpenAI co-founder Greg Brockman would be leading an advanced AI research team at Microsoft, reports emerged suggesting Altman’s potential return to OpenAI. Nadella stated he was open to both options but emphasized Microsoft’s existing AI capabilities. He also indicated a desire for governance changes within OpenAI. The status of Altman’s position, whether at Microsoft or OpenAI, remains unclear.

Sam Altman’s firing from OpenAI and his immediate move to Microsoft represents a pivotal moment in the AI industry. The timeline of events reveals a complex web of boardroom decisions, resignations, and strategic moves. Starting with his unexpected dismissal, followed by internal turmoil within OpenAI and strong reactions from investors and employees, the saga concludes with Altman embarking on a new venture under the umbrella of Microsoft. This series of events underscores the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of leadership and innovation in the rapidly evolving field of AI technology.

OpenAI, a leading AI company, is experiencing unprecedented internal conflict. Nearly 500 employees, including key figures like Chief Scientist Ilya Sutskever, have threatened to resign unless the board, which controversially fired CEO Sam Altman, steps down. The turmoil began with Altman’s dismissal, accused of being dishonest with the board. Microsoft, a major investor, has become a pivotal player, offering to absorb OpenAI staff into a new AI unit, intensifying the crisis. The situation remains fluid, with leadership changes and staff discontent signaling a pivotal moment for the company.