OpenAI Researchers Warn of Game-Changing AI Breakthrough, Prompt CEO’s Removal

Several OpenAI researchers sent a letter to the board of directors warning of a new AI discovery that posed potential risks to humanity shortly before the firing of CEO Sam Altman, according to an exclusive report by Reuters. On November 22, a group of OpenAI staff researchers penned a letter to the board, highlighting a powerful artificial intelligence breakthrough they had stumbled upon. The discovery was deemed significant enough to warrant an immediate alert due to the potential risks it posed to humanity. The letter and the undisclosed AI algorithm played a crucial role in Altman’s temporary removal. However, more than 700 employees, in support of Altman, threatened to quit and join Microsoft in solidarity. The board’s decision to remove Altman was driven by various concerns, primarily the fear of rushing to commercialize the new AI advancement without fully understanding its implications. OpenAI declined to comment on the matter directly, but an internal message to staff acknowledged the existence of the project that was referred to as Q*, as well as the letter sent prior to the highly controversial personnel change.