OpenAI

OpenAI has launched a new search feature in ChatGPT, now available to all users, challenging Google’s dominance in the search engine market. The feature offers real-time information with web-sourced citations, marking a significant expansion for OpenAI in the AI-driven search space.

Suchir Balaji, a 26-year-old former OpenAI researcher, was found dead in his San Francisco apartment on 26 November, with authorities ruling it a suicide. Before his death, Balaji had been a vocal critic of AI companies' use of copyrighted material, raising concerns about the ethical practices of generative AI systems like ChatGPT.

OpenAI has made its Canvas tool available to all ChatGPT users, including free-tier users, with new features for real-time collaboration and code execution. This update is part of the "12 Days of OpenAI" campaign, which also introduced new tools like the Sora video model and the ChatGPT Pro subscription.

World playfully criticised Spotify’s privacy practices by parodying its Wrapped feature, highlighting its own anonymous identity service, World ID. Using biometric scanning, World ID ensures secure verification, but the company faces privacy concerns and regulatory challenges globally.

OpenAI has partnered with Anduril to integrate AI into military systems, focusing on countering drone threats. This marks a shift for OpenAI, which previously avoided military applications, as it works with defence contractors to improve national security technology.

Elon Musk has filed a legal challenge to stop OpenAI from becoming a fully for-profit company, claiming it violates its original mission and harms competition. He also accuses OpenAI and Microsoft of using their partnership to block funding for rival AI companies like his own xAI.

OpenAI's video-generating tool, Sora, was leaked on Hugging Face, sparking backlash from artists who feel exploited due to lack of compensation and transparency. The company paused access to address safety concerns, while the creative community remains wary of AI tools replacing human jobs.

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, earned a modest salary of $76,001 in 2023, aligning with his belief in separating personal wealth from the company’s success. However, OpenAI is now considering giving him a 7% equity stake as part of a potential transition to a for-profit model, amid leadership changes and growing investment in AI.

OpenAI is exploring a shift from a non-profit to a for-profit model, seeking guidance from California's attorney general on restructuring while maintaining its ethical commitments.

Uber is using AI, powered by ChatGPT, to help drivers transition to electric vehicles by providing personalised guidance and local information on incentives and charging options. This initiative aligns with Uber's sustainability goals and reflects the growing influence of AI in the automotive industry.