OpenAI controversy reveals a clandestine WhatsApp group where Mark Zuckerberg and other tech CEOs gather to chat and exchange gossip.
In summary, recent reports reveal the existence of a WhatsApp group where the abrupt exit of Sam Altman from OpenAI was a topic of discussion. This group allegedly includes various CEOs, with notable figures such as Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Dropbox chief Drew Houston among its members.
Sam Altman’s unexpected departure and subsequent dramatic return to OpenAI garnered widespread attention. The circumstances surrounding his dismissal from the CEO position remain unclear and have become a subject of speculation. According to a New York Times report, top tech CEOs like Mark Zuckerberg were keenly interested in understanding the reasons behind Altman’s exit from OpenAI.
The New York Times report indicates that when Altman was ousted from his role at OpenAI in November, his Silicon Valley counterparts engaged in speculation about the reasons in a private WhatsApp group chat comprising over 100 CEOs from the tech industry. Messages in the group chat on November 17 indicated surprise and curiosity about Sam Altman’s departure from OpenAI.
However, the true rationale behind Altman’s dismissal remained elusive, sparking a flurry of messages and speculation within the WhatsApp group. The Times reported that discussions included conjecture about Altman’s actions leading to his abrupt departure.
Upon announcing Altman’s removal from OpenAI, the board cited “inconsistency” in his communications as the grounds for termination, expressing a loss of trust in his ability to lead the organization.
Employees at OpenAI Seek Answers about Sam Altman’s Departure
Recent reports suggest that even OpenAI employees were left in the dark regarding the sudden exit of Sam Altman from the OpenAI board. This lack of transparency led employees to feel uneasy, prompting some to explore alternative job opportunities.
According to a Semafor report, OpenAI employees expressed discomfort due to their lack of knowledge about the reasons behind Altman’s firing. The report noted that several employees had started seeking other job opportunities, despite Altman’s subsequent return.
A senior OpenAI employee shared with Semafor that, while they are pleased with Sam’s return, there remains a significant lack of clarity. The employee stated, “We’ve been told repeatedly that the heart of the board’s dispute with Sam was not over AI safety, but we haven’t been told what that is. So things still feel shaky.
Regarding Sam Altman’s return, he was reinstated as the CEO of OpenAI shortly after his departure. This decision came in response to a strong demand from a significant majority of OpenAI’s workforce, with over 700 out of 770 employees insisting on the reinstatement of both Sam Altman and Greg Brockman. The employees threatened to resign collectively and join Microsoft, which had already guaranteed job placements for all of them.
The employees additionally called for the establishment of a new board, articulating these demands in a letter co-signed by Mira Murati and Ilya Sutskever, the latter having played a significant role in Altman’s removal as CEO.
Later on, Sutskever expressed regret on X, stating that he did not intend to harm OpenAI in any way with his involvement in Altman’s exit. Upon Altman’s reinstatement, he expressed happiness with the decision. Despite Sutskever no longer being part of the OpenAI board, Altman conveyed in a post that they would continue to explore potential collaboration with him in the future.