Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, claims that his India statement was misunderstood, and the question was wrong.
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, highlighted on Twitter that his remarks on India’s capacity to develop a product like ChatGPT were ‘out of context. The youthful CEO also said that the question was wrong.
Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI and the creator of the popular AI application ChatGPT, recently visited India and has afterwards gained media attention. The CEO of OpenAI’s trip to India has been rather exciting, from visiting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to declaring he doesn’t really trust ChatGPT’s responses. Altman has recently come under fire for his remarks about India developing something like to ChatGPT. The young entrepreneur clarified what he meant on Twitter, claiming that his words had been misunderstood and that he had been asked the “wrong question.” Internet users have also reacted to Altman’s post, and while some say they agree with him, others are still of the opinion that he made a mistaken statement.
Where it all started
Let’s start from the beginning. To cut the story short, Sam Altman was in New Delhi for an event when Rajan Anandan, the previous CEO of Google India, approached him for advice on how to develop a service like ChatGPT in India. “Sam, with a focus on AI specifically, are there instances of an Indian company creating fundamental (AI) models?” India has a very vibrant environment. How should we think about that?” he questioned.
Where is it that an Indian team with three very intelligent engineers and USD 10 million each might build anything of real significance? He spoke up.
Sam replied by adding that while one might attempt to construct something similar in India, it would be “pretty hopeless.”
“The way this works is, we’re going to tell you, “Stated the CEO of OpenAI. Competing with us on training foundation models is just fruitless. You shouldn’t try, but it’s your duty to enjoy trying. And I believe both of these statements. “I believe it is pretty hopeless.”
Initial comments on social media
Anandan then tweeted a clip of the exchange with the comment, “Thank you Sam for the clear answer.” “It’s hopeless, but you’ll try anyway,” you said. 5000 years of Indian entrepreneurship have taught us that the Indian entrepreneur should never be underestimated.
Despite Anandan’s enthusiastic reaction to Altman’s response, Twitter users were not so nice to the OpenAI CEO. Social media quickly became ablaze with netizens’ reactions to Altman’s comments.
“Look at his arrogant response!” “India will soon make a better ChatGPT,” one person said, while another stated, “Sama is wrong.” And you’re correct. Others would have told him it was hopeless when he first started. But he did lay the groundwork. Now he says it’s hopeless (he’s the incumbent), and it’s up to us to prove him wrong. And we shall prove him incorrect. Within the next two years. Make a note of this tweet.”
Tech Mahindra CEO, CP Gurnani Reaction
The video gained popularity as Tech Mahindra CEO CP Gurnani took Altman’s statements as a “challenge.” He tweeted about the video and stated that Sam Altman, the creator of OpenAI, claimed that Indian businesses had no chance of competing with them. From one CEO to another, Sam Altman, CHALLENGE ACCEPTED.
Sam Altman’s explanation
The CEO of OpenAI responded to Gurnani’s tweet on Saturday by claiming that his comments were mistaken, and the wrong question was posed to him.
“This is really taken out of context!” he commented on Twitter. The question was whether we could compete with USD 10 million, which I feel would be impossible. But I still say go for it! However, I believe that is the incorrect question.”
In another tweet, the OpenAI CEO stated, The OpenAI CEO said in another tweet, “The correct question refers to what a start-up can accomplish that hasn’t been achieved before, which can bring something new to the world’. I have no doubt that Indian companies can and will do this! and only the builders can answer that.”
Reactions on social media to Altman’s clarification
Altman’s tweet has received over 400,000 views, with many internet users responding to the OpenAI CEO’s clarification. While some individuals support Sam and believe they understand what he means, others have convinced themselves that his comment was unacceptable.