A major shakeup at OpenAI is causing concern among its staff, as the artificial intelligence research lab’s former CEO, Sam Altman, is reportedly joining Microsoft in a business development role. The news has apparently caused a ruckus within OpenAI, with employees now threatening to quit en masse if Altman is not removed from the company.
According to reports, Altman is expected to start at Microsoft in the coming weeks, sparking concerns among OpenAI staff that the move could put the research lab at risk. Altman reportedly took the role without informing anyone at OpenAI, with the news only coming to light after his CV was leaked online.
Altman’s sudden move has created conflict, with some OpenAI employees now taking to social media to express their displeasure. Several have been vocally critical of Altman and his decision, suggesting that his departure could significantly impinge the lab’s ability to conduct unbiased research.
The unrest has been noticeable enough that several OpenAI employees threatened to quit if Altman is not removed from the company, with one employee quoted as saying “our independence and our integrity are at risk”.
Notably, Microsoft appears to have offered Altman a role that is potentially leveraged against OpenAI, with the former CEO expected to focus on developing AI-focused partnerships that would secure Microsoft’s control of the market. It is not clear if OpenAI knew about Altman’s plans to join Microsoft before it was revealed online.
OpenAI has yet to comment on Altman’s reported shift, and the potential impact this could have on its operations. With staff threatening to walk out, the research lab may be forced to act quickly, or risk losing key researchers and potentially damaging their ability to conduct unbiased research.