One of the reasons behind Sam Altman's sacking as OpenAI CEO – he has since returned to the company – by the ChatGPT creator's board, could be a project known as 'Q*,' Reuters has reported.
Sam Altman (AP)
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
It must be noted that Altman, who was terminated on November 17, was reinstated five days later after employees threatened to resign en masse; the board that sacked him has also been ‘replaced.’
What is project Q*?
According to Reuters, many people at OpenAI believe Q* (Q-Star) to be the San Francisco-based startup's breakthrough in its search for what is known as ‘artificial general intelligence’ (AGI). OpenAI describes AGI as ‘autonomous systems that surpass humans in most economically valuable tasks.’
Mira Murati, the AI research firm's Chief Technology Officer (CTO), had acknowledged the existence of Q* in an internal email to employees, and alerted them to ‘certain media stories’ without commenting on their accuracy.
What are the abilities of AGI?
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
{{^usCountry}}
While the claimed abilities of AGI could not be independently verified, the new model, it is said, can solve certain mathematical problems. Also, unlike a calculator, AGI can generalise, learn, and comprehend, while the former can solve only a limited number of operations.
What was the board warned about?
{{/usCountry}}
{{#usCountry}}
While the claimed abilities of AGI could not be independently verified, the new model, it is said, can solve certain mathematical problems. Also, unlike a calculator, AGI can generalise, learn, and comprehend, while the former can solve only a limited number of operations.
What was the board warned about?
{{/usCountry}}
While the letter highlighted the model's AI prowess, it also flagged the potential danger, without, however, specifying the exact safety concerns. Computer scientists have long held discussions about the risks posed by highly-intelligent machines, for example, instances in which the machines might decide that the ‘destruction of humanity’ was in their interest.
The letter also expressed concerns regarding the ‘AI scientist team,’ formed by combining the earlier ‘Code Gen’ and ‘Math Gen’ groups. This team was exploring ways to optimise the existing AI models to improve their reasoning, to eventually make the models perform scientific tasks.
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.
Stay updated with the latest Technology News, gadget launches, app updates, artificial intelligence and digital trends. Find reviews, comparisons and useful insights from the world of tech.
Stay updated with the latest Technology News, gadget launches, app updates, artificial intelligence and digital trends. Find reviews, comparisons and useful insights from the world of tech.
Home/Technology/What is project ‘Q*’ that led to Sam Altman's OpenAI ouster before return as CEO
