- OpenAI is reportedly considering removing a key clause from its multibillion-dollar Microsoft deal.
- The clause ends Microsoft’s access to OpenAI’s advanced models when OpenAI reaches AGI.
- This is to prevent misuse of AGI for commercial purposes; Removing it could encourage more investment.
OpenAI is considering removing a clause from its contract with Microsoft, which could help it attract new investment from the tech giant.
Citing people with knowledge of the discussions, the Financial Times reported Friday that the creator of ChatGPT was considering whether to eliminate a clause which closes Microsoft’s access to its most advanced AI models when the startup reaches artificial general intelligence, or AGI.
OpenAI’s website defines AGI as “a highly autonomous system that outperforms humans at the most economically profitable work,” adding that it is “explicitly excluded from all commercial and IP licensing agreements.”
The clause aims to prevent AGI from being misused for commercial purposes. The Financial Times noted that its removal could encourage Microsoft to maintain cash flow to the AI company. Microsoft has invested at least $13 billion in OpenAI.
OpenAI’s website says its nonprofit board will decide both when AGI is reached and take ownership of the technology.
The report states that OpenAI’s board is still discussing options and no decisions have been made.
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI remains optimistic that the company will achieve AGI in the near future.
“My guess is that we will reach AGI sooner than most people in the world think and it will matter a lot less,” he said this week at the New York Times DealBook Summit.
Altman also discussed the company’s financial needs.
“When we started, we didn’t know we were going to become a product company or that the capital we needed would turn out to be so huge,” he said. “If we knew these things, we would have chosen a different structure.”
Reuters reported in September, citing sources close to the matter, that OpenAI was working on restructuring plans to a for-profit corporation that would no longer be controlled by its nonprofit board and would give Altman equity in the company for the first time.
OpenAI announced in October that it had closed a $6.6 billion funding round valuing the company at $157 billion.
OpenAI and Microsoft did not immediately respond to requests for comment.