In an interview with Tencent News “Qianwang” Vitalik Buterin expressed disappointment with OpenAI’s retreat from its original open-source philosophy, ironically calling the outfit CloseAI. OpenAI, according to Buterin, erred in seeking to strike a balance between openness and safety, as its quest for profit had overtaken concern for the safety of users.
Buterin also made reminiscences about the evolution of OpenAI. CEO Sam Altman acquired control of the company after a tussle with the board of directors. As OpenAI transitioned from a non-profit organization into a commercial entity, the board has become reactive and merely an advisory body. This switch compared interestingly to a quote made by Benjamin Franklin-the Founding Father of the United States: “Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.”
Buterin is strongly supportive of building blockchain integrations on decentralized AI, promoting awareness of alternative technologies that could also compete against artificial intelligence. He is wary about the AI hype and that it very easily might turn into a brain drain from the crypto industry, wherein mediocre minds get stuck into creating mundane financial applications. Such a trend would lead to a stagnant crypto sector, with many inside quite satisfied in cloning each other’s token and exchange initiatives.
Generally, these are Buterin’s notes, presenting unresolved contradictions in motivation for profit versus ethical approaches towards technology growth while depressing the reassessment of priorities in accordance with the AI space and also that of cryptocurrencies.
