In recent months, the negativity around artificial intelligence has heightened. As many technology giants vie to be the leading company in the "future of AI," none seem as likely as OpenAI to lead the market. However, with a string of controversies and problems, the ChatGPT creator has a lot of issues to resolve.
The impressive unveiling of ChatGPT-4o earlier this year provided many people with one of the best AI chatbots for free and a voice assistant that proves Siri and similar tools aren't as great. However, even the launch of OpenAI's latest model has faced its own issues, including copying Scarlett Johansson's voice and delaying the ChatGPT-4o voice feature.
Behind the scenes at OpenAI, things appear to be worse. According to a former employee, the ChatGPT creator has been compared to the infamous Titanic, citing relaxed safety commitments and the closure of the Superalignment team.
In a new podcast with YouTuber Alex Kantrowitz (via Futurism), William Saunders reportedly left the company because OpenAI is "prioritizing getting out newer, shinier products" instead of focusing on safety with ChatGPT and likely other OpenAI products like the upcoming Sora.
"I really didn't want to end up working for the Titanic of AI, and so that's why I resigned," Saunders states, adding, "During my three years at OpenAI, I would sometimes ask myself a question. Was the path that OpenAI was on more like the Apollo program or more like the Titanic?"
Saunders was a member of the Superalignment team, a unit of OpenAI employees focused on safety within the company. When it was dissolved, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman promised the creation of a new safety committee.
OpenAI is not the only company focusing on AI that has faced issues. Google's AI overviews have told users to drink urine, Copilot has created harmful images, and recently, an AI news site accused an innocent man of sexual abuse. It's no wonder many people avoid AI journalists, according to surveys.
However, Saunders understands that risk is necessary for new and interesting technology. In an interview with Business Insider, Saunders noted that the Apollo missions had their own issues but added, "It is not possible to develop AGI or any new technology with zero risk. What I would like to see is the company taking all possible reasonable steps to prevent these risks."
Considering that the grandfather of AI believes the technology could lead to our extinction, the question remains whether we're all on this technological Titanic or if it's just OpenAI itself. However, with the company partnering with Apple Intelligence, Vox Media, and more in its growth, will it hurt other companies too?