OpenAI and Microsoft Duel Over AGI in High-Stakes Negotiation

For the past three years, Microsoft has introduced a slew of new software tools, such as Copilot, by drawing on artificial intelligence developed by OpenAI. Under the terms of the software giant’s financial backing for OpenAI, Microsoft has access to the tech through 2030. The only risk was that OpenAI could move to cut off access if its board decided the AI had developed to the point where it could outsmart humans.

Back in 2019, when the deal was first negotiated, Microsoft executives didn’t have many reservations about that provision. Industry insiders regarded the idea that AI could get to that point—known as artificial general intelligence or AGI—as a fantasy.