OpenAI, a leading artificial intelligence organization, was reportedly developing a project known as Q*, which raised safety concerns among staff researchers. Prior to the brief removal of CEO Sam Altman, employees had alerted the board about these concerns. While the exact reason for Altman's initial dismissal remains unclear, sources suggest that the discovery of Q* and concerns about the potential consequences of advancing AI technology too quickly were key factors leading to his firing. OpenAI acknowledged the existence of Q* and the letter to the board in an internal message but did not comment on the accuracy of media reports. Some within OpenAI saw Q* as a potential breakthrough in their quest for artificial general intelligence (AGI), although it was only capable of solving mathematics problems at a grade-school level.

‍

In response to these developments, a majority of OpenAI's staff threatened to resign if Altman was not reinstated, leading to his subsequent reappointment. This incident highlights the complex challenges surrounding AI development and the need for careful consideration of safety and ethical concerns in the pursuit of AGI, as governments worldwide grapple with the regulation of AI technology amid fears of its misuse or loss of human control.

‍