OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently outlined a four-point plan in an op-ed for The Washington Post to fortify US AI dominance. The plan includes implementing safeguards, building infrastructure, regulating AI-related exports, and forging a global community. Altman emphasized the role of open-source AI models in strengthening America's position in the field, stating that making these models readily available to developers globally would enhance the country's advantage.
Former OpenAI co-founder Elon Musk has been critical of Altman's leadership, expressing concerns about the company's shift towards closed-source practices. Musk filed a lawsuit against OpenAI earlier this year, accusing the company of deviating from its nonprofit mission by partnering with Microsoft. However, Musk has also acknowledged the need for limits to openness in AI models, as discussed in private correspondence with OpenAI's then-chief scientist.
Altman's stance on open-source AI aligns with a broader industry trend towards openness. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently unveiled an open-source AI model, Llama 3.1, which Meta claims can outperform OpenAI's GPT-4o. Zuckerberg emphasized the importance of open source in fostering a positive AI future, suggesting that governments may increasingly support open-source initiatives for the benefit of global prosperity and safety.
