OpenAI says its new model GPT-2 is too dangerous to release (2019) (slate.com)

Article summary

OpenAI developed a text-generation model called GPT-2, but decided not to release the full algorithm due to safety and security concerns. The model can generate coherent and versatile prose, but OpenAI fears it could be used to create false news articles, impersonate people online, and flood the internet with spam. A smaller version of the model was released instead. The decision has sparked a debate about how to handle the proliferation of potentially dangerous AI algorithms.

Main themes

• AI safety and security
• Text generation
• Ethics in AI development
• Misinformation and disinformation
• AI regulation

What commenters say

• OpenAI's decision to withhold the GPT-2 algorithm was a publicity stunt to garner attention and funding.
• The risks associated with GPT-2 are real, and OpenAI was correct to prioritize caution and consider the potential consequences of its release.
• The ability of AI models to generate low-quality content is a significant problem that can have serious consequences, such as obscuring the truth and inundating platforms with misinformation.
• The development and release of AI models like GPT-2 should be guided by a cost-benefit analysis, weighing the potential benefits against the potential risks and harms.
• The proliferation of AI-generated content is inevitable, and it is up to the public to become more skeptical and discerning in evaluating online information.
• OpenAI's actions are motivated by a desire to profit from their models, rather than a genuine concern for safety and security.
• The quality of online content has not changed, but the volume of low-quality content has increased significantly with the advent of AI-generated content.
• The use of AI models like GPT-2 can have a homogenizing effect on online writing, leading to a loss of distinct voices and perspectives.