- Vitalik Buterin raises concerns about OpenAI’s transition from an open-source model to a closed one.
- Calling OpenAI a CloseAI, he states the platform has sacrificed openness for safety and later safety for profit.
- Buterin says current AI hype may hinder crypto’s growth with fewer innovative minds remaining.
Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin expressed concerns about OpenAI’s evolution during an interview with Tencent News’ “Qianwang.” He criticized the platform for abandoning its open-source roots, mockingly referring to it as “CloseAI.” Buterin highlighted two significant problems: OpenAI’s trade-off of openness for safety and its later prioritization of profits over safety.
Reflecting on OpenAI’s trajectory, Buterin noted how CEO Sam Altman gained control following a power struggle with the company’s board. OpenAI’s transition from a non-profit to a for-profit organization also led to the board being reduced to an advisory role. This concerning change brought to mind the poignant words of US founding father Benjamin Franklin:
“You cannot sacrifice freedom for security. If you do so, you will find that you will lose both security and freedom.”
Buterin also voiced concerns about the crypto sector’s struggles to achieve ambitious goals over the past five years. He proposed potential solutions, such as merging blockchain with decentralized AI or developing alternative technologies capable of rivaling AI.
Read also: Vitalik Buterin Surprised by Low Deepfake Activity in 2024 Elections
However, he warned that the current AI hype could siphon talent away from the crypto industry. This could lead to a human capital loss, where only less innovative minds remain, resulting in stagnant and repetitive financial applications that fail to push blockchain technology’s boundaries. Highlighting the potential threats of the crypto space, he cited that the trend would stagnate the industry, limiting it to repetitive projects like launching coins and exchanges.
Despite these issues, the crypto industry has exhibited a growing strength this year. Many developers are showing interest in creating meaningful and popular applications. He remains hopeful about the future of crypto, asserting that the industry will attract more participants.
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