The CEO of OpenAI, Sam Altman, said that the AI startup should have waited longer to reach an agreement with the US Department of Defense about the use of AI. OpenAI originally disclosed an arrangement with the Pentagon a few hours after Anthropic lost its contract, which caused a massive online outcry.
In order to ensure that its principles are clear, Altman stated on X that OpenAI has updated its contract with the Pentagon.
Why did OpenAI sign a deal with Pentagon?
According to Sam Altman, the true goal of hastening an agreement with the Pentagon was to prevent further escalation between the US Defense Department and the AI sector.
After Anthropic declined to eliminate its protections for unlimited AI usage, the Pentagon terminated Anthropic’s contract.
However, he acknowledged that the whole thing turned out to be opportunistic and sloppy. Altman was adamant that he would consider this going forward.
Good learning experience for me as we face higher stakes decisions in the future, he remarked. Altman had already acknowledged that OpenAI’s deal with the Pentagon did not look favorable.
According to the head of OpenAI, the US government shouldn’t classify Anthropic as a supply chain risk. We hope the DoW offers them the same terms we’ve agreed to,” he continued.
ChatGPT uninstalls surge as people switch to Claude
Users in the US started removing ChatGPT after OpenAI’s agreement with the Pentagon. On February 28, uninstalls for ChatGPT rose by 295% daily, according to Sensor Tower. However, downloads of Anthropic’s Claude chatbot increased by as much as 51%. Claude even achieved the top spot in the US Apple App Store.
In addition, pop sensation Katy Perry posted a screenshot of Claude with a heart on X to show her support for Anthropic’s rejection of the Pentagon’s requests.
What has OpenAI changed?
According to an internal memo published by Sam Altman, laws such as the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution, National Security Act of 1947, FISA Act of 1978 prohibit the use of OpenAI’s technology for widespread domestic monitoring of US citizens.
The Department understands this limitation to prohibit deliberate tracking, surveillance, or monitoring of U.S. persons or nationals, the OpenAI chief continued.
Altman recognized the emphasis on information obtained through commercial means and emphasized the significance of safeguarding civil freedoms.
The agreement also states that OpenAI’s technology will not be used by any intelligence agency, including the US Department of Defense’s National Security Agency (NSA). Any services to those agencies would require a follow on modification to our contract, he continued.
Altman clarified, There are many things the technology just isn’t ready for, and many areas we don’t yet understand the tradeoffs required for safety, even though he did not specifically address autonomous weapons in this addition.
Also Read: OpenAI Signs Deal With US Department of War for AI Access
The CEO of OpenAI also stated that, even if it meant going to jail, he would not submit to any unconstitutional order from the US Department of Defense regarding its AI systems.
