OpenAI researchers warned about a potentially dangerous artificial intelligence discovery ahead of CEO Sam Altman being ousted from the company, according to reports.

Several staff members of the AI firm wrote a letter to the board of directors detailing the algorithm, two people familiar with the matter told Reuters. The disclosure was reportedly a key development in the build up to Mr Altman’s dismissal.

Prior to his return late Tuesday, more than 700 employees had threatened to quit and join backer Microsoft in solidarity with their fired leader.

The sources cited the letter as one factor among a longer list of grievances by the board leading to Altman’s firing, among which were concerns over commercialising advances before understanding the consequences.

The staff who wrote the letter did not respond to requests for comment and Reuters was unable to review a copy of the letter.

  • theodewere@kbin.social
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    8 months ago

    my level of confidence in their ability to handle this technology safely is exactly 0.00

    • sic_1@feddit.de
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      8 months ago

      It all fits. The OpenAI board was hired by Altman to keep an eye on ethics. I remember that a few months ago, Microsoft fired their entire AI ethics team because they apparently kept slowing the development down (despite that being the point). Now this OpenAI drama and the involvement of Microsoft…

    • Immersive_Matthew@sh.itjust.works
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      8 months ago

      I think it is not just their inability, it is all our inability. We can have some say, but no matter what, AGI or not, it is impossible to predict all the effects good and bad and thus impossible to manage. Just like when electricity was invented and rolled out. Who could have known all the good and bad things it would be used for, let alone prevent the bad. Impossible.