Unveiling OpenAI's Partnership with Reddit for AI Training

Published On Wed Jun 19 2024
Unveiling OpenAI's Partnership with Reddit for AI Training

OpenAI inks deal to train AI on Reddit data

OpenAI has reached a deal with Reddit to use the social news site's data for training AI models. In a blog post on OpenAI's press relations site, the company said that the Reddit partnership will provide it access to "real-time, structured and unique content" — e.g. posts and replies — from Reddit, allowing its tools and models to "better understand and showcase" that content. Reddit content will be incorporated into ChatGPT, OpenAI's popular conversational AI, and the companies will work together to bring unspecified new "AI-powered features" to both Reddit users and moderators.

AI Advancements

OpenAI will also become a Reddit advertising partner. "Reddit will be building on OpenAI’s platform of AI models to bring its powerful vision to life," OpenAI wrote in the post. "Using LLMs, ML, and AI allow Reddit to improve the user experience for everyone."

ChatGPT gets access to Reddit content

Licensing Agreements

OpenAI has several similar licensing deals with content providers ranging from stock media libraries to news publishers. But the unusual angle to this one is that Sam Altman, OpenAI's CEO, has an 8.7% stake in Reddit, making him the third-largest shareholder, and was once a member of the company’s board of directors.

Security Measures

In an attempt to discourage scrutiny, OpenAI says in its press release that, while Altman remains a Reddit shareholder, the partnership "was led by OpenAI’s COO [Brad Lightcap]" and "approved by [OpenAI's] independent board of directors." Reddit has made data licensing agreements an increasingly central part of its growth strategy as it navigates the market as a public company.

Market Impact

Reddit stock was up 11% in extended trading following the announcement of the OpenAI deal. "The paradox I see is that, as more content on the internet is written by machines, there’s an increasing premium on content that comes from real people," Reddit CEO Steve Huffman said during the company's earnings call in March. "And we have nearly two decades of authentic conversation."

Reddit IPO Filings Reveal the Company's Hopes—and Fears | WIRED

Data Control

Reddit has already voiced its displeasure with one attempt to afford Reddit users greater control over their own data. Vana, a startup built on the blockchain, is attempting to launch a data "DAO" (Digital Autonomous Organization) to let Reddit users pool their data and let them decide together how that combined data's used (or sold). Reddit banned Vana's subreddit dedicated to discussion about the DAO, in a statement to TechCrunch, and accused the company of "exploiting" its data export controls.

Impact of Reddit Sentiments on Stock Market Prices

The Impact Of Reddit Sentiments On Stock Market Prices - PeakMetrics

The Impact Of Reddit Sentiments On Stock Market Prices - PeakMetrics