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OpenAI’s Response to Elon Musk Lawsuit Reveals Discord Over Company’s Mission

OpenAI has responded to Elon Musk’s lawsuit with revelations of internal discord over the company’s mission and funding. Last week, Musk sued the ChatGPT company, alleging a deviation from its original nonprofit mission in favor of profit-driven motives.

In a move to defend its position, OpenAI published excerpts from Musk’s emails from the early days of the company, indicating his acknowledgment of the necessity for substantial funding to support the ambitious AI projects.

According to the released emails, Musk argued that solely relying on fundraising would not suffice for OpenAI’s success in building a generative AI platform. Instead, he suggested seeking alternative revenue streams to ensure the company’s sustainability.

In a November 22, 2015 email to CEO Sam Altman, Musk proposed a funding commitment of over $1 billion, promising to cover any shortfall beyond that. However, OpenAI claims Musk only contributed $45 million, while other donors raised $90 million.

Musk’s emails also revealed his suggestion in February 1, 2018, for Tesla to acquire OpenAI, which was rejected by the company. Subsequently, Musk parted ways with OpenAI later that year.

Expressing concerns in a December 2018 email about OpenAI’s relevance without substantial resources, Musk emphasized the need for billions in funding annually.

In response to Musk’s lawsuit, OpenAI formed a for-profit entity, OpenAI LP, in 2019, which significantly increased the company’s valuation to $90 billion within a few years. Microsoft later committed $13 billion in a partnership with OpenAI.

Musk’s lawsuit alleges a breach of contract, claiming that OpenAI’s partnership with Microsoft violated its founding charter. He seeks a jury trial and demands reimbursement of profits received by the company’s executives.

OpenAI, originally established to mitigate the risks of artificial generative intelligence, insists it has not deviated from its mission. The company affirms its commitment to product safety and improving people’s lives through its technology.

In a blog post, OpenAI expressed disappointment over the legal dispute with Musk, whom they admired but accused of hindering their progress toward their mission.

“We’re sad that it’s come to this with someone whom we’ve deeply admired—someone who inspired us to aim higher, then told us we would fail, started a competitor, and then sued us when we started making meaningful progress towards OpenAI’s mission without him,” the company stated.

OpenAI intends to dismiss Musk’s claims and reaffirms its dedication to advancing AI while prioritizing ethical considerations.

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Instagram’s Threads Surpasses X (formerly Twitter) in Alt-Twitter Wars

In the ongoing battle for dominance in the alternative Twitter landscape, Instagram’s Threads has emerged as the current frontrunner, surpassing X (formerly Twitter) in daily downloads globally. While app downloads may not perfectly reflect usage, they serve as indicators of market trends, and Threads is currently leading the charge.

Meta’s take on the Twitter-esque platform has witnessed a significant surge in daily downloads, with triple the figures of X on iOS globally and more than double on Google Play. This shift marks a notable change from previous months, where Threads and X were neck-and-neck in terms of downloads, particularly on iOS.

The momentum for Threads began building towards the end of the previous year, with daily installs exceeding half a million across both Google Play and iOS. Despite a slight dip in January, Threads consistently outpaces X in daily downloads on both platforms, indicating a widening gap between the two rivals.

On February 25, 2024, Threads recorded 486,803 installs on Google Play and 342,228 on iOS, compared to X’s 225,408 and 112,625 downloads, respectively. Similarly, on February 22, Threads boasted 382,999 iOS installs versus X’s 113,649, showcasing its dominance in the market.

Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, announced Threads’ impressive milestone of 130 million monthly active users during the company’s fourth quarter, with Instagram’s head, Adam Mosseri, highlighting its success in specific markets like Japan.

Despite X’s claim of 500 million monthly active users, concerns arise regarding the authenticity of these figures, particularly with reports of verified bot problems. This issue, coupled with X’s struggles post-rebranding from Twitter, has impacted its download numbers and revenue.

In contrast, decentralized alternatives like Mastodon and Bluesky have failed to gain significant traction compared to Threads and X. Mastodon’s official mobile app and Bluesky, though showing initial promise, have not posed a substantial challenge to the established players in the alt-Twitter space.

While Bluesky recently opened its doors to the public and introduced federation, allowing users to run their own servers, its download numbers remain modest compared to Threads and X. However, the future trajectory of Bluesky as a decentralized alternative remains uncertain, with potential for growth over time.

In summary, Instagram’s Threads has emerged as the leading contender in the alt-Twitter wars, signaling a shift in the microblogging landscape and Meta’s increasing influence over the digital news ecosystem.

Categories Blog Posted on

Uniting Force: How Social Media Empowers Tech Communities in 2024

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, the power of community has emerged as a driving force for change. Social media platforms, once seen merely as avenues for connection and entertainment, have now become indispensable tools for fostering collaboration, sparking innovation, and driving meaningful societal change. As we delve into 2024, the intersection of technology and community on social media is proving to be a catalyst for transformative advancements across various industries.

Fostering Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing

One of the most significant impacts of social media on the tech landscape is its ability to facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing among professionals, enthusiasts, and experts from around the globe. Platforms like Twitter, Reddit, and LinkedIn have become virtual meeting grounds where individuals can exchange ideas, seek advice, and share valuable insights in real-time.

Tech-focused communities on platforms such as GitHub and Stack Overflow have revolutionized the way developers collaborate on projects, troubleshoot issues, and collectively push the boundaries of innovation. Through open-source platforms and online forums, developers can crowdsource solutions, contribute to shared repositories, and build upon each other’s work, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

Empowering Diverse Voices and Perspectives

Social media has also played a pivotal role in amplifying underrepresented voices and perspectives within the tech industry. Online communities and movements dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion have gained momentum, sparking crucial conversations and driving initiatives aimed at creating a more inclusive tech ecosystem.

Platforms like Facebook and Instagram have provided a platform for marginalized groups to share their experiences, showcase their work, and advocate for greater representation within the industry. Through hashtags, campaigns, and digital activism, these communities have leveraged social media to challenge systemic biases, dismantle barriers to entry, and advocate for meaningful change.

Driving Innovation and Disruptive Technologies

The collaborative nature of social media has proven instrumental in driving innovation and the adoption of disruptive technologies. From blockchain and artificial intelligence to virtual reality and the Internet of Things, tech communities on social media are at the forefront of exploring, experimenting with, and evangelizing emerging technologies.

Platforms like TikTok and YouTube have become breeding grounds for tech influencers and content creators who share tutorials, reviews, and demonstrations, democratizing access to information and inspiring a new generation of innovators. Additionally, crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo have enabled aspiring entrepreneurs to turn their tech dreams into reality by harnessing the power of community support and engagement.

Addressing Societal Challenges and Global Issues

Beyond technological advancements, social media-driven tech communities are actively engaged in addressing pressing societal challenges and global issues. From climate change and sustainability to healthcare and education, online communities are leveraging technology to drive social impact, raise awareness, and mobilize collective action.

Through crowdfunding campaigns, hackathons, and online petitions, tech communities are harnessing the power of social media to support charitable causes, advocate for policy change, and empower communities in need. Whether it’s developing innovative solutions for renewable energy or leveraging data analytics to address public health crises, these communities are proving that technology, when combined with collective action, can be a potent force for positive change.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Tech Communities in 2024 and Beyond

As we look ahead to the future of tech communities in 2024 and beyond, it’s evident that the power of community on social media will continue to shape the trajectory of technological innovation and societal change. With the rise of virtual reality, augmented reality, and immersive online experiences, the boundaries of online communities will blur, enabling even greater collaboration, connection, and creativity.

However, with this newfound power comes a responsibility to ensure that tech communities remain inclusive, equitable, and accessible to all. By prioritizing diversity, fostering empathy, and embracing ethical practices, tech communities can harness the full potential of social media to drive meaningful and sustainable change in the years to come.

In conclusion, the synergy between technology and community on social media is driving a new era of innovation, collaboration, and social impact in 2024. By harnessing the power of collective knowledge, diverse perspectives, and collaborative action, tech communities are shaping a future where technology is not just a tool for advancement but a force for positive change in society.

Categories News Posted on

Instagram Threads Surpasses X in New Downloads, Gains Momentum Globally

In a recent development, Meta’s efforts to boost the install base of Instagram Threads have proven successful, with the app now surpassing X (formerly Twitter) in terms of new downloads. According to insights from app intelligence firm Apptopia, Threads’ daily downloads, which had seen a decline since September, reversed the trend, growing from approximately 350,000 in early November to 620,000 since Thursday, November 23.

The surge in Threads’ downloads is attributed to Meta’s advertising campaign for the new app, positioning it as a Twitter alternative. Apptopia estimates that Threads has outpaced X in terms of new downloads, with 41 million compared to X’s 27 million since September.

Interestingly, the traction for Threads is not limited to the U.S., as the majority of new downloads are coming from outside the country. India leads the way, contributing 11.2% (9.2 million) of the new downloads, followed by the U.S. at 7.4% (6.1 million). This trend aligns with India’s role as a significant growth driver for Instagram.

Contrastingly, X’s new downloads are led by Indonesia, followed by India. However, the combined new downloads from the U.S., Indonesia, and India for X are fewer than India alone contributes to Threads.

The loss of new downloads for X is attributed to its rebranding efforts, causing a drop in growth momentum. The addition of “formerly Twitter” to its App Store description aimed to capitalize on users searching for the keyword “Twitter,” but Threads continued to outpace X in new installs.

Despite Threads’ recent success, X remains a larger platform with over 500 million monthly active users, compared to Threads’ reported just under 100 million as of Meta’s recent earnings in October. However, Threads has demonstrated substantial growth within its three-month launch period, reaching 141 million users by November 10, according to Quiver Quantitative.

X’s future is uncertain, facing an advertiser exodus, including major brands like Apple, IBM, Disney, Paramount, Comcast/NBCU, Warner Bros., Lionsgate, Sony, and Paris Hilton’s 11:11 Media and Walmart. Elon Musk’s controversial statements in a November 29 interview have contributed to this exodus.

Despite these challenges, X remains a platform where news breaks regularly, as seen with the recent OpenAI boardroom drama. While Threads has gained attention, X’s status as a main platform for news announcements, coupled with its user stickiness, keeps it a significant player in the social media landscape.

Categories News Posted on

Major Brands Cease Ad Spending on X Amid Growing Concerns Over Antisemitism and Hate Speech

In the wake of an escalating advertiser exodus over concerns about antisemitism and hate speech on Elon Musk’s social media platform, formerly known as Twitter and referred to as X, at least twelve major brands have halted their ad spending. Notable names like Fox Sports, Ubisoft, Axios, TechCrunch, and Paris Hilton’s 11:11 Media have all confirmed that they’ve suspended ad expenditures on X in recent days, joining other prominent advertisers who abandoned the platform last week.

This widespread departure of advertisers compounds the challenges for X, already struggling to regain the trust of brands since Musk’s takeover last year. Concurrently, an increasing number of X users are migrating to alternative platforms, with even the White House recently joining Threads, giving a boost to Meta’s X competitor.

The latest wave of withdrawals commenced when IBM announced the suspension of its advertising on X following a report from progressive media watchdog Media Matters, which revealed its ad appearing alongside pro-Nazi content on the platform. Musk’s public endorsement of an antisemitic conspiracy theory further fueled the advertiser revolt. Subsequently, major media brands like Disney, Paramount, Comcast, Lionsgate, NBCUniversal, and CNN-parent Warner Bros. Discovery also suspended their ad spending on X last Friday, though without specifying their reasons. Apple reportedly joined this exodus last week as well.

In response, X urged its advertising partners to safeguard what it termed “freedom of speech” and filed a lawsuit against Media Matters, accusing the watchdog of misrepresenting the likelihood of ads running alongside extremist content. While X claimed to have made pro-Nazi accounts identified by Media Matters ineligible for monetization, these accounts, along with other far-right and White supremacist ones reinstated by Musk, remain active on the platform. Despite X CEO Linda Yaccarino emphasizing brand safety controls, some advertisers, including the National Football League, have expressed concerns about hate speech but have not withdrawn their spending.

The company’s attempts to reassure advertisers have fallen short, with critics highlighting the continued presence of objectionable content on the platform. Musk’s recent endorsement of the debunked “Pizzagate” conspiracy theory has added to the growing unease surrounding X. The situation underscores a deepening crisis for the platform, both in terms of retaining advertisers and maintaining user loyalty.