As the charismatic CEO of OpenAI, Sam Altman has outmanoeuvred his critics and entrenched his power within the company. But what drove him to such extremes, and can he reclaim his position at the helm?
The Rise, Fall, and Spectacular Comeback of Sam Altman
A CEO Who Persuades People to Cede Power
In the world of artificial intelligence (AI), Sam Altman stands as a formidable figure. As the charismatic CEO of OpenAI, he has outmanoeuvred his critics and entrenched his power within the company.
Altman’s journey began in 2014 when he co-founded OpenAI with Elon Musk and Ilya Sutskever. Initially, the organization was committed to developing transparent AI models that would benefit society as a whole. However, this vision soon took a dramatic turn. In 2019, Altman became CEO, and the company started to shift towards a capped-profit structure, allowing investors to reap huge returns while OpenAI withheld its research.
The Fall of an Icon
The drama surrounding Altman’s departure in November 2023 is still etched in the minds of many. After three weeks of secret calls and varying degrees of paranoia, the board members finally agreed that he had to go. However, this wasn’t the end of his story. Within days, Altman was reinstated, with his most loyal staff resigning and others signing an open letter calling for his reinstatement.
The Rise of a Powerhouse
Altman’s spectacular comeback is a testament to his incredible fundraising skills. With plans to raise $7 trillion, OpenAI is now at the forefront of the AI arms race. According to tech journalist Karen Hao, Altman has an uncanny ability to understand what people want and what motivates them.
The development of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) by companies like OpenAI has sparked a heated debate about the ethics and consequences of creating increasingly sophisticated machines.
The OpenAI AI arms race refers to the competitive pursuit of developing more powerful and capable AI systems, raising concerns about job displacement, bias, and potential misuse.
As 'AI technology advances,' experts warn of an exponential increase in capabilities, making it challenging for humans to keep pace with the rapid development.
A Perfect Case Study
Hao’s book, Empire of AI, delves into the world of AI giants like OpenAI, highlighting the importance of understanding their ideology-driven approach. The story of Sam Altman is a perfect case study, showcasing how power can be entrenching. His sister Annie, who alleges he sexually abused her as a child, serves as a poignant reminder that Altman’s actions have consequences.
A Threat to Democracy?
Hao warns that the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of tech billionaires poses an existential threat to democracy. The focus on developing AI is not about solving humanity’s problems but rather perpetuating the interests of those who hold power.
Tech billionaires have significantly influenced modern democracy, often through their philanthropic efforts and investments.
According to a report by the Institute for Policy Studies, the top ten tech billionaires in the US hold more wealth than 36% of American families combined.
This concentration of wealth has led some critics to accuse them of buying influence and shaping policy to benefit themselves and their companies.
For instance, Amazon's Jeff Bezos has invested heavily in The Washington Post, allowing him to shape media narratives and sway public opinion.
The Dark Side of Generative AI
The rise of generative AI has distorted the landscape of research, with talent flowing towards companies that offer the most lucrative deals. However, this comes at a cost – the exploitation of outsourced workers in developing countries, the energy consumption of datacentres, and the environmental impact of mega-campuses.
A Call to Action
Hao’s book is more than just a critique of OpenAI; it’s a call to action for those who seek to create a more democratic model of governing AI. By pushing back against their work being used to train generative AI, enforcing data privacy laws, and forcing companies to be transparent about their environmental impact, we can slowly shift the tide towards a more equitable future.
Democratic AI governance refers to the development and implementation of policies, regulations, and guidelines that ensure artificial intelligence systems are transparent, accountable, and fair.
This involves establishing frameworks for data privacy, bias mitigation, and algorithmic transparency.
Key principles include human oversight, explainability, and auditability.
Effective democratic AI governance requires collaboration between governments, industry stakeholders, and civil society organizations to address challenges such as algorithmic accountability and digital divide.
The Legacy of Sam Altman
As OpenAI continues to rise to prominence, it’s essential to remember that its success is not solely due to Altman’s leadership. Rather, it’s the product of a system that prioritizes ideology-driven innovation over democratic governance. As we move forward, we must acknowledge the dark side of AI and strive for a more inclusive, equitable future.
Empire of AI: Inside the Reckless Race for Total Domination by Karen Hao is published by Allen Lane, Penguin (£25). To support the Guardian and the Observer, order your copy at guardianbookshop.com.
