Reflecting the changing dynamics in the tech industry, both Microsoft and Apple have decided to give up their observer seats on OpenAI’s board, UK-based The Financial Times reported. The move comes amid reports of growing regulatory scrutiny over tech giants’ involvement in AI startups.
Microsoft, which had made significant investments in OpenAI, including a substantial US$13 billion investment in its generative AI technology, ChatGPT, has announced its decision to step down from its observer role on OpenAI’s board with immediate effect.
The decision was communicated to OpenAI via a letter, citing the company’s satisfaction with the progress made by the newly formed board.
Similarly, Apple, which was expected to play a similar overseer role as part of its agreement to integrate ChatGPT into its devices, has chosen not to do so.
Although Apple declined to comment on the matter, sources familiar with the situation have indicated that the technology giant will not take an observer position on OpenAI’s board.
In response to these developments, OpenAI has announced a revised strategy for engaging with its strategic partners and investors.
The organization plans to hold regular meetings with partners such as Microsoft and Apple, as well as investors such as Thrive Capital and Khosla Ventures, the FT reports.
As explained by an OpenAI spokesperson, this change is intended to promote a more inclusive and collaborative approach to governance and strategic decision-making.
OpenAI’s board recently added former Apple marketing head Phil Scheeler as an observer, a move that was reported just days before their departure.
However, Schiller will no longer oversee OpenAI’s operations, shedding light on instability and possibly underlying tensions within the organization’s boardroom dynamics.
Analysts speculate that the decision by Microsoft and Apple to step back from the supervisory role may be linked to strategic considerations or internal dynamics within OpenAI.
While some suggest possible concerns over antitrust investigations or strategic disagreements, the exact motivations behind these decisions still remain unclear.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
