The AI community has been debating the definition of AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) for years. According to leaked documents, OpenAI and Microsoft have agreed that AGI will be achieved when OpenAI creates an AI system capable of generating at least $100 billion in profit. This is reported by The Information.
Over the years, OpenAI has received over $13 billion in funding from Microsoft, accompanied by an unusual contractual agreement, which stipulates that OpenAI will stop allowing Microsoft to use its technology once AGI is reached.
The idea of cutting off Microsoft after AGI is reached is to prevent excessive concentration of power in the hands of this tech giant through unlimited access to OpenAI’s intellectual property.
OpenAI was originally founded as a non-profit organization with the mission of creating products that benefit humanity. To encourage companies to invest billions in this non-profit organization, the current agreement between Microsoft and OpenAI provides rights to a share of profits until the $100 billion milestone is reached.
The non-profit structure of OpenAI has long been questioned due to its operations. This year, the company announced plans to transition to a for-profit model while still maintaining its mission to benefit humanity. According to company representatives, the current non-profit structure complicates raising additional investment and competing with other players in the AI space.
As a result, Microsoft and OpenAI are negotiating several changes to their agreement, which may be implemented after the company restructures. Currently, Microsoft is the exclusive provider of cloud hosting for OpenAI, and the company may decide to end this arrangement, stop profit distribution, and shift toward direct investment in Microsoft’s equity.