OpenAI, the non-profit research company that developed the large language model GPT-3, may exit Europe due to regulatory pressure. In a recent interview, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said that the company is “very concerned” about the European Union’s proposed Artificial Intelligence Act, which could make it difficult or impossible for OpenAI to operate in the region.
The AI Act is a wide-ranging piece of legislation that would regulate the development and use of artificial intelligence in Europe. The act would require companies to obtain a license before using certain types of AI, and it would impose strict requirements on the use of AI for decision-making that could have a significant impact on people’s lives.
OpenAI argues that the AI Act is too restrictive and would stifle innovation in the field of AI. The company also says that the act is unclear and would be difficult to comply with.
If OpenAI does exit Europe, it would be a major setback for the development of AI in the region. OpenAI is one of the leading research companies in the field, and its work has helped to advance the state of the art in AI. The company’s departure would leave a void in the European AI ecosystem, and it would make it more difficult for European companies to compete in the global AI race.
It is still too early to say whether OpenAI will actually exit Europe. The company has said that it is still evaluating its options, and it is possible that it will be able to find a way to comply with the AI Act. However, the company’s comments suggest that it is taking the threat of regulatory action seriously, and it is possible that OpenAI will ultimately decide to leave Europe if the AI Act is passed.
The AI Act is still in the drafting stages, and it is not clear when it will be finalized or when it will come into effect. However, OpenAI’s comments suggest that the company is already preparing for the possibility of having to leave Europe. If OpenAI does exit Europe, it would be a major blow to the region’s AI ecosystem.