Sam Altman Goes to Microsoft, Elon Goes Thermonuclear, and Guest Dr. Joy Buolamwini | Pivot

Intro

In this episode of the “Pivot” podcast, hosts Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway discuss the recent developments at OpenAI, including Sam Altman joining Microsoft and the backlash from OpenAI employees. They also delve into Elon Musk’s threats of a “thermonuclear lawsuit” and the split in the AI world between business opportunities and concerns about the dangers. Dr. Joy Buolamwini joins as a guest to discuss the need for external regulation of AI and her book “Unmasking AI”.

Main Takeaways

Sam Altman joins Microsoft and OpenAI faces backlash

• Sam Altman, previously considering returning to OpenAI, joins Microsoft and will lead a new advanced AI team.
• Microsoft CEO, Sachin Adele, announced Altman’s hiring after a chaotic weekend of reports.
• OpenAI announced a new interim CEO, Emmett Shear, and employees signed an open letter criticizing the board.
• OpenAI employees were upset about the acquisition and the board’s misalignment, leading to the possibility of resignations and the need to reconstitute the board.

Elon Musk’s threats and the split in the AI world

• Elon Musk threatens to file a “thermonuclear lawsuit” against Media Matters and others for fraudulent attacks on his company.
• There is a split in the AI world between those who see it as a business opportunity and those worried about the dangers.
• Ben Shapiro and Linda Yaccarino face criticism for their behavior and actions.
• AI leaders cannot ignore growing issues around consent, compensation, creative rights, and civil rights.

Dr. Joy Buolamwini on external regulation of AI

• Dr. Joy Buolamwini discusses the need for external regulation of AI to prevent circular and insular regulation.
• Her book “Unmasking AI” focuses on protecting what is human in the world of machines.
• AI bias and the need for transparency and accountability are important topics.
• Litigation and regulation are necessary to achieve compensation and rights for creators.

Summary

Sam Altman joins Microsoft and OpenAI faces backlash

Sam Altman, previously considering returning to OpenAI, has joined Microsoft to lead a new advanced AI team. Microsoft CEO, Sachin Adele, made the announcement after a weekend of chaotic reports. This move has caused upheaval at OpenAI, with employees signing an open letter criticizing the board and expressing their dissatisfaction with the acquisition. The board’s misalignment and incompetence have led to the possibility of resignations and the need to reconstitute the board. The situation at OpenAI remains uncertain, with Microsoft potentially taking over or the board being restructured with Altman and Greg Brockman back.

Elon Musk’s threats and the split in the AI world

Elon Musk’s threats of a “thermonuclear lawsuit” against Media Matters and others for fraudulent attacks on his company have raised concerns. There is a split in the AI world between those who view it as a business opportunity and those worried about the dangers. Figures like Ben Shapiro and Linda Yaccarino have faced criticism for their behavior and actions. AI leaders cannot ignore the growing issues around consent, compensation, creative rights, and civil rights. Transparency and accountability are crucial in mitigating AI bias and ensuring fair treatment of creators.

Dr. Joy Buolamwini on external regulation of AI

Dr. Joy Buolamwini emphasizes the need for external regulation of AI to prevent circular and insular regulation. Her book, “Unmasking AI,” delves into protecting what is human in the world of machines. The discussion revolves around the importance of addressing AI bias, achieving compensation and rights for creators, and the necessity of litigation and regulation. Buolamwini advocates for transparency, accountability, and a focus on consent, compensation, credit, and control in AI systems.

Conclusion

The developments at OpenAI, Sam Altman joining Microsoft, and Elon Musk’s threats highlight the challenges and debates surrounding AI. The split between business opportunities and concerns about the dangers of AI requires careful navigation. Dr. Joy Buolamwini’s insights on external regulation and protecting human values in AI provide valuable perspectives. The future of AI governance, transparency, and accountability remains crucial for the industry’s advancement.