All Notes Project Overview
Updated October 21, 2025

Openai

A leading artificial intelligence research laboratory and company that develops and deploys advanced AI systems, including the GPT series of language models.

Definition

OpenAI is a research organization and company focused on developing artificial general intelligence (AGI) in a safe and beneficial way. Founded in 2015, it has become one of the most influential organizations in AI development.

Key Components

  • Research: Advanced AI research and development
  • Models: Large language models and AI systems
  • Safety: AI alignment and safety measures
  • Policy: AI governance and ethical guidelines
  • Infrastructure: AI computing and deployment systems

Major Products

  • GPT Series: Large Language Models
    • GPT-3: Advanced language model (2020)
    • GPT4: Latest generation model (2023)
    • Note: Despite the name “OpenAI,” the GPT series is notably the least open of major Large Language Models, with limited model access and closed-source architecture
  • DALL-E: Image generation AI
  • ChatGPT: Conversational AI interface
  • API Services: AI model deployment platform

Research Focus

  • Language Models: Natural language processing
  • AI Safety: Alignment and control
  • Robotics: Physical AI systems
  • Machine Learning: Advanced algorithms
  • AI Ethics: Responsible development

Impact Areas

  • Technology: AI development and deployment
  • Society: AI adoption and influence
  • Industry: AI commercialization
  • Research: AI advancement
  • Policy: AI governance

Ethical Considerations

  • Safety: AI alignment and control
  • Transparency: Open research and communication
  • Access: AI availability and use
  • Impact: Societal effects
  • Governance: AI policy and regulation

Controversies and Criticisms

Departure from Open Source Principles

OpenAI has faced significant criticism for abandoning its founding principles. OpenAI Is Now Everything It Promised Not to Be: Closed-Source, and For-Profit - The Artificial Intelligence startup that promised to be open and nonprofit is now leading the world with closed-source, for-profit models—everything it promised not to be.

Copyright and Plagiarism Concerns

Copyright concerns have intensified as OpenAI’s ChatGPT was found to cite plagiarized NYT articles from DNyuz, exacerbating their ongoing legal battle with The New York Times and raising questions about training data sources and attribution.

Comparative Analysis

For a detailed comparison of OpenAI’s approach versus more transparent alternatives, see The case for Anthropic over OpenAI, which examines differences in organizational values, safety practices, and commitment to openness.

Connections

References