OpenAI’s AGI Claim to Face Independent Scrutiny in New Microsoft Deal

 OpenAI and Microsoft have solidified their partnership until 2032. The agreement includes a major new clause concerning Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). An independent expert panel will now verify any claim by OpenAI that it has achieved AGI.

This development comes as OpenAI completes a significant corporate restructuring. The company has formed the OpenAI Foundation, a non-profit entity valued at $130 billion. This new structure is designed to streamline future fundraising efforts.

AGI Verification and New Corporate Structure

Microsoft’s total investment in OpenAI is now valued at $135 billion. This represents a stake of roughly 27 percent. According to Reuters, this stake was previously higher, at around 32.5 percent, before recent funding rounds diluted it.

The most critical part of the new deal involves AGI verification. OpenAI cannot unilaterally declare it has achieved AGI. An independent panel of experts must first confirm the claim. This process adds a layer of external oversight to a monumental technological milestone.

Microsoft will retain intellectual property rights to OpenAI’s models and products. This IP arrangement is locked in until the year 2032. Even if AGI is verified, the technology will be shared with appropriate safety measures in place.

Broader Implications of the Renewed Partnership

OpenAI believes it could achieve AGI by 2030. The company’s blog states Microsoft’s IP rights to research methods continue until AGI is verified or until 2030. This gives Microsoft a long-term window into OpenAI’s core development processes.

The new terms also grant Microsoft more freedom. The tech giant can now pursue AGI independently or with other partners. This option was reportedly blocked under the previous agreement. This change reduces Microsoft’s reliance solely on OpenAI’s progress.

OpenAI also gains new flexibility. The company is now free to choose its compute provider. Microsoft no longer has a right of first refusal on new initiatives. This marks a shift towards a more balanced partnership.

Tensions had flared between the two companies in recent months. Reports suggested Microsoft considered abandoning talks with OpenAI. At one point, OpenAI even weighed an antitrust accusation against its largest partner. The new deal appears to resolve these conflicts.

The establishment of an independent AGI verification panel sets a crucial precedent for the entire AI industry, ensuring that a claim of this magnitude is subject to external, expert scrutiny before it reshapes the world.

Thought you’d like to know

What is Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)?

AGI refers to a hypothetical AI system with human-level cognitive abilities. It could understand, learn, and apply intelligence across a wide range of tasks. This is different from today’s narrow AI, which excels at specific jobs.

What is the new corporate structure of OpenAI?

OpenAI has created the OpenAI Foundation as its controlling non-profit entity. This foundation oversees the for-profit arm, OpenAI Group PBC. The restructuring aims to make recapitalization and fundraising simpler for the company.

How much has Microsoft invested in OpenAI?

Microsoft’s total investment is now valued at approximately $135 billion. This secures the company a stake of about 27 percent in the AI startup. The partnership between the two companies is now extended until 2032.

Why is the independent AGI panel important?

The panel prevents OpenAI from making an unverified AGI declaration. It introduces objective, third-party oversight for a world-changing claim. This builds trust and ensures the claim is scientifically valid before any release.

Could Microsoft partner with other AI companies now?

Yes, the new agreement allows Microsoft to pursue AGI with other partners. This was a key change from the previous terms. It gives Microsoft more strategic flexibility in the competitive AI landscape.

Trusted Sources

Reuters, The Wall Street Journal, OpenAI Blog.