ChatGPT can talk, but OpenAI employees sure can't
On Monday, OpenAI announced exciting new product news: ChatGPT can now talk like a human. It has a cheery, slightly ingratiating feminine voice that sounds impressively non-robotic, and a bit familiar if you’ve seen a certain 2013 Spike Jonze film. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman tweeted, referencing the movie in which a man falls in love with an AI assistant voiced by Scarlett Johansson.
Resignation of Key Figures
But the product release of ChatGPT 4o was quickly overshadowed by much bigger news out of OpenAI: the resignation of the company’s co-founder and chief scientist, Ilya Sutskever, who also led its superalignment team, as well as that of his co-team leader Jan Leike. The resignations didn’t come as a total surprise. Sutskever had been involved in the boardroom revolt that led to Altman’s temporary firing last year. Sutskever publicly regretted his actions and backed Altman’s return but has been mostly absent from the company since, even as other members of OpenAI’s policy, alignment, and safety teams have departed.
Speculations and Nondisclosure Agreements
Questions arose immediately about the resignations. Speculation filled the void because no one who had once worked at OpenAI was talking. Former employees are subject to extremely restrictive off-boarding agreements that contain nondisclosure and non-disparagement provisions. It forbids them, for the rest of their lives, from criticizing their former employer. Even acknowledging that the NDA exists is a violation of it. If a departing employee declines to sign the document or violates it, they can lose all vested equity they earned during their time at the company.
Accountability and Transparency Concerns
OpenAI's stance on accountability and transparency has faced scrutiny, especially with the departure of key members of its safety team. The company's unique corporate structure was supposed to increase accountability, but recent events have sparked doubts about the extent of external oversight and transparency.
Future of OpenAI and AI
OpenAI's mission to ensure that artificial general intelligence benefits all of humanity has been a driving force for the company. However, recent events have raised questions about the company's commitment to safety and transparency. The departure of key figures like Sutskever and Leike has signaled a potential shift in OpenAI's focus on safety work.
While OpenAI continues to strive towards building artificial general intelligence, the controversy surrounding former employees' restrictions raises concerns about the company's true intentions and dedication to accountability.
