The OpenAI Definition of Artificial General Intelligence Finally Revealed

According to leaked information, OpenAI and Microsoft have clarified what they consider to be Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). Back in 2023, the two companies agreed that AGI would be reached once an artificial intelligence system could generate $100 billion in profit. This surprising metric, reported by Gizmodo via The Information, bases the definition not on abstract philosophical considerations or advanced technological benchmarks but on straightforward financial performance.

Leaked documents have unveiled a surprising and precise definition by OpenAI for achieving Artificial General Intelligence (AGI).

AGI refers to an artificial intelligence system capable of outperforming human abilities in most tasks. Until recently, achieving such a level of technology was considered speculative. Current AI systems primarily excel at making predictions based on large datasets but lack true understanding. However, OpenAI has received over $13 billion in funding from Microsoft under an agreement that would end Microsoft’s access to OpenAI’s technology if AGI is achieved. This peculiar arrangement aims to prevent any single company from accumulating excessive technological power.

Some may recall that OpenAI was initially established as a nonprofit organization with a mission to create technology for the benefit of humanity. However, its partnership with Microsoft and significant financial backing have gradually steered the organization toward a profit-oriented approach. Investors, including Microsoft, are entitled to a share of the profits until the revenue reaches $100 billion. After that, remaining funds will be distributed toward global public interest initiatives. Critics argue, however, that this shift to profit-making is fundamentally at odds with OpenAI’s original altruistic mission.

At this link you can read OpenAI’s “about us” text, which was written at the time of their founding and referred to themselves as a non-profit.

The Gizmodo article also highlights growing tensions between OpenAI and Microsoft. OpenAI reportedly seeks to terminate its exclusive cloud hosting agreement with Microsoft and renegotiate profit-sharing arrangements, potentially even restructuring Microsoft’s equity stake. Such changes would allow OpenAI to explore alternative hosting providers, reducing operational costs and dependence on Microsoft. Meanwhile, Microsoft continues integrating its AI solutions, like the 365 Copilot, into its own products while pursuing similar technological advancements.

OpenAI’s projected revenue for 2024 is $4 billion, far below the $100 billion target. Dependency on Microsoft’s infrastructure and funding complicates matters further, particularly as the two companies increasingly view each other as competitors. Adding to the complexity, Elon Musk—one of OpenAI’s co-founders—has filed a lawsuit challenging the shift to a profit-driven model. Musk, who has since founded his own AI startup, xAI, accuses OpenAI of straying from its original mission, facilitating anti-competitive practices.