Sam Altman wanted to use OpenAI as a "nuclear weapon" among world leaders

A lengthy article from The New Yorker has called into question the trust in Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, revealing accusations of habitual dishonesty. This 16,000-word analysis examines controversial episodes in Altman’s career, including his temporary ousting in 2023 and his return, as well as his conflict with Elon Musk and his transformation from an advocate for safety in artificial intelligence to an ally of Donald Trump.

A plan worthy of a James Bond villain

One of the most controversial aspects of the article is a failed plan that proposed OpenAI act as a “nuclear weapon” among world leaders. The idea was to force nations to invest in OpenAI technology to avoid falling behind, creating a kind of global competition. Although OpenAI has stated that this characterization of the discussions is “ridiculous,” former employees contradict this version, claiming that conversations about this plan did take place and reached a considerable degree of seriousness.

Greg Brockman, president of OpenAI and a significant donor to Trump’s campaign, reportedly suggested that the company could benefit from playing world powers, such as China and Russia, against each other. Jack Clark, former policy director at OpenAI, described the approach as a “prisoner’s dilemma,” where countries would need to fund the company, implying that failing to do so could have dangerous consequences.

A junior researcher who attended a meeting about the plan expressed that what was being discussed was “completely insane.” The employees’ reaction was so negative that it led to discussions about possible mass resignations. This article provides interesting context about OpenAI’s ambitions and Altman’s reputation in the field of artificial intelligence, at a critical moment for the industry.

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