OpenAI is navigating a complex landscape as it prepares to launch its first “open” language model since GPT-2, targeted for release in early summer 2024. Under CEO Sam Altman, the company continues to operate under these grave allegations. Those accusations allege the execs were duped about safety comparisons between its models leading up to Altman’s fast removal in November 2023. Amid increasing competition from rivals like the Chinese AI lab DeepSeek, which has adopted an open approach to model launches, OpenAI aims to ensure that its upcoming release is both innovative and safe.
Altman has made clear in recent communication that this new open model would be carefully tested before being released. He stated, “Before release, we will evaluate this model according to our preparedness framework, like we would for any other model. We will do extra work given that we know this model will be modified post-release.” OpenAI is trying to pledge itself to the same that other open models have been criticized for. Unlike Llama and Google’s Gemma, which put heavy burdens on their users, OpenAI clearly wants to make it easier for the user.
For reference, OpenAI initially decided to pursue an open model. This action is a direct result of mounting competition with DeepSeek, who within a short timespan launched and established a massive user base while attracting huge market investment. In a Reddit Q&A session in January, Altman acknowledged the need for a reevaluation of OpenAI’s open-source strategy, saying, “Not everyone at OpenAI shares this view, and it’s not our current highest priority […] We need to figure out a different open source strategy.”
The goal for the company is to develop an open reasoning model that competes with the best in class at the highest levels of competition. Altman has expressed confidence in OpenAI’s ability to produce top-tier models moving forward, stating, “We will produce better models [going forward], but we will maintain less of a lead than we did in previous years.” OpenAI is indeed taking a huge turn in its strategy here. This change has been made in recognition of both market conditions and internal growing pains.
The technology landscape is moving faster than ever before. OpenAI’s next model will likely become a pivotal force in deciding how the course of AI development plays out. The company first revealed its intentions for the new model in late March. This decision shines a light on its desire to remain at the forefront of global AI innovation while ensuring safety and user friendliness are prioritized.
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