OpenAI and Stack Overflow recently announced a partnership that allows the AI research organization access to Stack Overflow’s API and developer feedback. In return, Stack Overflow will leverage OpenAI’s models for its OverflowAI platform and provide direct links in ChatGPT back to its source material. This collaboration has sparked a debate among Stack Overflow users regarding the use of their contributions and the potential risks associated with Large Language Models (LLMs).
The announcement led to some users attempting to delete or modify their top-rated posts in protest against what they consider unauthorized content usage. For instance, a UI designer at Epic Games tried to replace his answers with a protest message, but the Stack Overflow moderation team swiftly reversed the changes and suspended his account to maintain the community-contributed knowledge.
The conversation also touches on the legal aspect of user-generated content, with some users citing the GDPR’s right to be forgotten. This regulation allows EU citizens to request the deletion of personal data, although content that contributes to a forum’s overall knowledge base may not be eligible for deletion if it doesn’t contain identifiable information. The ongoing discussion emphasizes the balance between individual privacy rights and the importance of shared informational resources.
It remains unclear whether Stack Overflow will adjust its policies to offer users more control over their content post the OpenAI partnership. Despite inquiries, the platform has yet to address this issue, highlighting the intricate relationship between user rights, content ownership, and the incorporation of AI technologies in utilizing user-generated data.
