Sam Altman Fired from OpenAI: NEW Insider Context on the Board’s Decision

Nathan shares his perspective on Sam Altman’s firing from OpenAI, after being a part of the red team for GPT-4 and seeing how the board handled safety concerns. If you need an ecommerce platform, check out our sponsor Shopify: https://shopify.com/cognitive for a $1/month trial period.

This is a developing story. This podcast was recorded on 11/21 at 12pm PST.

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@labenz (Nathan)

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TIMESTAMPS:

00:00:00) - Preview

(00:03:00) - Getting early access to test GPT-4

(00:08:03) - Concerns over OpenAI's slow start on safety after testing GPT-4

(00:15:38) - Sponsors: Shopify | Omneky

(00:17:34) - GPT-4's lack of safety measures and willingness to provide harmful information

(00:18:20) - GPT-4 suggesting assassination to slow AI progress

(00:23:00) - The failure of GPT-4's "safety edition" to properly constrain unsafe behavior

(00:29:00) - Sponsors: Netsuite | Oracle

(00:29:39) - Discussing concerns over GPT-4 capabilities with AI experts and leaders

(00:33:00) - An OpenAI board member not having tried GPT-4 despite its importance

(00:36:00) - Getting removed from the GPT-4 testing program by OpenAI

(00:44:00) - OpenAI subsequently showing more seriousness on safety after the GPT-4 experience

(00:54:00) - An example safety issue in GPT-4 that still persists

(01:00:00) - Speculation on what may have triggered the OpenAI board's removal of Sam Altman as CEO

(01:06:00) - Altman's "quaint" remark and acknowledgement of GPT-5 training

(01:21:57) - The absence of explanation from the board

(01:23:56) - How Microsoft will emerge

(01:32:36) - Should OpenAI be open source?

(01:42:00) - Innane regulation of AI

This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at [email protected].

Producer: Vivian Meng

Executive Producers: Natalie Toren, and Erik Torenberg

Editor: Graham Bessellieu

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