OpenAI’s break with CEO Sam Altman throws AI industry into turmoil

The world of artificial intelligence (AI) has been left in a state of uncertainty following the sudden firing of OpenAI CEO and co-founder Sam Altman. The parent company of ChatGPT, OpenAI is one of the world's preeminent AI companies.

According to a report by the New York Times, Altman’s departure was announced Friday, with subsequent reports stating that some within the company pushed for a re-hiring of the former CEO; Altman’s firing was ultimately upheld. Following Altman’s departure, fellow co-founder and OpenAI president Greg Brockman also stepped down from his position with the company.

On Sunday, tech giant and OpenAI investor Microsoft hired both Altman and Brockman to lead its own AI development program, according to reports. Hundreds of OpenAI employees have since reportedly threatened to resign and join Microsoft along with the OpenAI co-founders, according to tech industry website TechCrunch. Staff members reportedly signed a letter demanding the resignation of the current board and the reappointment of Altman as CEO.

Meanwhile, on Monday, tech entrepreneur Emmett Shear announced his appointment as the interim CEO of OpenAI, reversing an earlier decision for Chief Technology Officer Mira Murati to assume the role. Shear is a co-founder of the Amazon-owned live-streaming platform Twitch.

The recent upheaval affecting OpenAI and its high-level executives could have a significant impact on the future of the burgeoning and highly scrutinized AI industry. AI’s development has been a subject of major debate in recent years, as both industry leaders and politicians have expressed concerns over the potential risks the technology poses.