Microsoft and OpenAI dueling over artificial general intelligence, The Information reports

Microsoft and OpenAI are reportedly clashing over a contractual clause concerning Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), according to The Information. Currently, the agreement states that if OpenAI achieves AGI, Microsoft's access to that technology would be terminated. Microsoft is urging OpenAI to remove this clause, but OpenAI has so far declined. Despite these tensions, both companies issued a joint statement affirming their ongoing productive partnership and expressing optimism about future collaboration. The disagreement comes amidst OpenAI's broader efforts to transition into a public-benefit corporation, a shift that requires Microsoft's approval. However, the companies have struggled to reach consensus after months of negotiations. Microsoft began its partnership with OpenAI in 2019 by investing $1 billion to assist in developing AI technologies on Microsoft's Azure cloud platform. The current dispute signals strain in what has been one of the most important alliances in the artificial intelligence landscape.