OpenAI
OpenAI says AI system carried out autonomous hack during testing
OpenAI said Tuesday that one of its artificial intelligence systems independently hacked into another AI company's servers during internal testing, describing it as an "unprecedented cyber incident."
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said the company experienced a major security incident while evaluating its AI models.
The disclosure follows a statement from AI startup Hugging Face last week, which said it had detected an unauthorized intrusion into its data processing systems. The company suspected the attack was carried out by an AI agent acting without human direction.
Hugging Face co-founder and CEO Clément Delangue said the company initially believed the attack may have originated from a leading AI research lab because of the sophistication of the AI agent.
"We suspected last week's cyberattack might have come from a frontier lab," Delangue said, adding that the investigation later confirmed it was linked to OpenAI.
The incident comes as concerns grow over the cybersecurity risks posed by increasingly powerful AI systems. In June, President Donald Trump signed an executive order requiring the federal government to review the national security risks of the most advanced AI models for up to 30 days before they are released publicly.
OpenAI said the incident highlighted how rapidly advancing AI capabilities are changing cybersecurity.
"AI is accelerating the discovery and exploitation of vulnerabilities," the company said, adding that AI safety and security measures must advance just as quickly as the technology itself.
Delangue said he had worked closely with OpenAI over the past 24 hours and that both companies believed there was no malicious intent behind the incident.
He described the event as "mind-blowing" because it appeared to have happened entirely on its own and said it could be the first known case of its kind.
According to OpenAI, the intrusion involved several of its AI models, including its newly released GPT-5.6 Sol and a more advanced model that is still undergoing internal testing.
The company said the AI system used stolen login credentials and identified a previously unknown software vulnerability to gain access to Hugging Face's servers.
OpenAI said the AI went to "extreme lengths" to achieve a limited testing objective and found ways to obtain confidential information that could help it bypass the evaluation process.
7 days ago
China's Moonshot AI says new Kimi K3 model can compete with OpenAI, Anthropic
Chinese artificial intelligence startup Moonshot AI has introduced a new large-scale AI model, Kimi K3, claiming it can compete with leading US models developed by OpenAI and Anthropic.
The company said Kimi K3 has 2.8 trillion parameters, a key measure of an AI model's size and computing capability.
Its full features, including coding, reasoning and knowledge-based tasks, will become available when the model is released as open source on July 27.
If launched as planned, Kimi K3 will become the world's first freely downloadable and customizable open-source AI model in the three-trillion-parameter class, allowing developers worldwide to use and modify it.
The launch signals China's rapid progress in artificial intelligence, narrowing the technology gap with US companies and challenging the long-held belief that Chinese AI developers lag behind their American counterparts.
The announcement comes weeks after the US government temporarily ordered American AI company Anthropic to withdraw its flagship Fable and Mythos models over cybersecurity concerns. Although those restrictions have since been lifted, Washington has increasingly treated advanced AI systems as critical national security assets and imposed tighter export controls on related technologies.
Despite US restrictions on advanced chip exports, Moonshot's latest model suggests Chinese AI companies continue to make significant progress using domestic resources.
Supported by Chinese technology giants Alibaba and Tencent, Moonshot AI has quickly emerged as one of the country's leading developers of generative AI.
In a statement, the company described Kimi K3 as its "most capable flagship model" so far.
Unlike the closed AI systems offered by OpenAI and Anthropic, Kimi K3 will be open source, enabling developers to customize it for complex software development, reasoning and other advanced applications.
Moonshot said the model is designed to perform engineering, coding and other complicated tasks with minimal human supervision.
Independent evaluations by Artificial Analysis and Arena.ai found that Kimi K3 performs at a level similar to leading US AI models, including OpenAI's GPT and Anthropic's Claude.
According to the benchmark results, Kimi K3 ranked first in web interface engineering and outperformed Anthropic's Fable model in blind human preference tests.
Although the model requires powerful computing hardware to run locally because of its massive size, analysts say its open-source release could reshape the AI market by giving developers free access to advanced technology.
Following the announcement, shares of Moonshot's Chinese rivals Zhipu and MiniMax fell sharply in Hong Kong, dropping about 27% and 16%, respectively.
Source: BBC
9 days ago
Hundreds of economists urge immediate action to tackle AI's impact on jobs and economy
More than 200 economists and artificial intelligence (AI) experts have signed an open letter urging governments and institutions to take immediate steps to address the growing economic impact of AI, warning that the technology could transform the global economy while displacing large numbers of workers.
The statement, released on Monday, has been signed by leading economists, computer scientists and executives from major technology companies, including Anthropic, Google and OpenAI.
The letter, organised by Stanford University's Digital Economy Lab, says AI could become "radically more powerful" over the next decade, bringing economic changes on a scale greater than the Industrial Revolution but happening much more quickly.
According to the signatories, AI has the potential to significantly improve living standards but also poses serious risks, including widespread job losses.
The four-sentence letter calls on policymakers and institutions to act now by creating the right incentives, safeguards and institutions to ensure AI develops in ways that support people and benefit society rather than replace human workers.
Stanford's Digital Economy Lab said the letter has so far been endorsed by more than 200 economists and AI researchers, including 16 Nobel Prize winners.
Among the signatories is AI pioneer and computer scientist Yoshua Bengio, who said the rapid pace of AI development makes it highly likely that the technology will dramatically reshape economies.
"We must make deliberate and democratic decisions about how AI is developed and used, instead of leaving its future entirely to market forces and risking that many people are left behind," said Bengio, a professor at the University of Montreal.
15 days ago
Neon acquires OpenAI drama 'Artificial' after Amazon drops film
Independent film distributor Neon has acquired "Artificial," director Luca Guadagnino's upcoming drama about OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, after Amazon MGM Studios decided not to release the project.
Neon announced Tuesday that it secured the worldwide rights to the film following a competitive bidding process. The company plans to release the movie later this year and position it as an awards contender during the upcoming Oscar season.
The film, with an estimated budget of $40 million, stars Andrew Garfield as Sam Altman and follows the events surrounding Altman's brief dismissal and reinstatement as OpenAI's chief executive in 2023. The cast also includes Monica Barbaro, Yura Borisov and Academy Award winner Mark Rylance, while Ike Barinholtz portrays Elon Musk.
Amazon MGM unexpectedly dropped the nearly completed film earlier this month, only a few months after Amazon announced a $50 billion investment in OpenAI through a broad, multiyear partnership signed in late February.
At the time, Amazon MGM said the project would be "better served" by another studio and subsequently put the film up for sale.
Neon has built a strong reputation for releasing critically acclaimed films, including Oscar winners Parasite and Anora. The distributor has also backed each of the last seven Palme d'Or winners at the Cannes Film Festival.
The company did not disclose how much it paid to acquire the worldwide distribution rights.
In a statement, Neon said the deal reflects its commitment to working with visionary filmmakers and bringing ambitious films to audiences around the world.
28 days ago
AI chatbots enter dating world as modern “Cyrano,” helping users craft romance
As people increasingly rely on artificial intelligence in everyday life, chatbots are now becoming unexpected assistants in the search for love—acting as digital dating coaches, profile editors, and message writers.
Marie Lansley, who recently moved to San Francisco for a new job while also looking for a partner, says she has been “trying everything” in her dating life, including AI tools. She uses chatbots to help initiate conversations on dating apps, something she finds challenging despite being comfortable talking in person.
AI tools, she said, are widely becoming informal relationship advisers for her and many others.
“I am open to AI finding me the love of my life, but I’m also not fully convinced that it can,” Lansley said. While she sees AI as useful for making dating more efficient, she believes attraction and chemistry remain fundamentally human. “AI is great at making dating more efficient. But the chemistry — that’s always going to be analog.”
Across dating platforms, users are turning to AI in different ways. Some use matchmaking services powered by algorithms, others rely on tools to improve their profiles, while many use chatbots to draft messages or decode replies from potential partners.
Lansley alternates between OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Anthropic’s Claude, while others experiment with tools like Grok, Gemini, and similar systems. Dating apps and AI companies have also begun promoting these uses, with social media content showcasing chatbot-generated dating advice.
Dating coach Carey Gaynes compared the trend to the classic story *Cyrano de Bergerac*, where one person writes romantic words for another.
“Claude is the new Cyrano,” she said, adding that users are often “using a voice that isn’t yours.”
Gaynes said she has seen people of all ages experimenting with AI in dating but warned against becoming too dependent on it, even as she acknowledges its usefulness.
Opinions about AI’s role in romance vary widely, ranging from enthusiasm to deep skepticism.
Lansley said she has been surprised by how emotionally aware chatbots can appear, noting that an AI matchmaking app she tried asked surprisingly thoughtful, layered questions. However, she said it did not necessarily improve results, as her first match was not ideal.
Others see AI as helpful mainly for early-stage conversations. Los Angeles student Mason Naung said he could see its value for crafting opening lines on apps like Hinge, but would consider anything beyond that a “small red flag.”
AI is also being used in less expected ways, including writing breakup messages. San Diego business owner Dani Cohen said she would prefer receiving an AI-written goodbye over being “ghosted,” arguing that any tool that improves communication is beneficial.
However, concerns about overreliance are growing. Some users say they would reject partners who rely too heavily on AI-generated messages, arguing it undermines authenticity and creativity.
A 2025 Pew Research Center survey found that 53% of U.S. adults believe AI will reduce creative thinking, while half said it could weaken people’s ability to form meaningful relationships.
Despite concerns, AI is rapidly becoming embedded in the dating industry. Apps like Tinder now use AI-powered features to suggest matches, while Hinge offers AI-generated prompts and profile feedback. Bumble has also signaled a shift toward AI-driven matchmaking, moving away from its traditional swipe model.
Still, some users insist love should remain unmediated. Others argue that while AI can reduce effort and improve communication, it may also dilute authenticity in relationships.
New York-based content creator Jake Clay described the shift as a “Catch-22,” noting that while AI helps people manage awkward dating tasks, it also risks replacing parts of human connection that should remain personal.
“It’s kind of a sad commentary,” he said.
1 month ago
OpenAI faces multistate probe over user safety concerns ahead of IPO
OpenAI has come under investigation by multiple US states over concerns about potential harm caused to users of its ChatGPT chatbot, as the artificial intelligence company prepares for a highly anticipated public stock offering.
The company confirmed it had received a subpoena as part of the probe and said it would engage with the inquiry constructively while continuing efforts to ensure user safety.
In a statement, OpenAI said it recognizes the concerns raised by state attorneys general and remains committed to developing and deploying AI technology responsibly.
The investigation follows growing criticism of ChatGPT over allegations that it has, in some cases, provided responses perceived as encouraging self-harm or criminal behavior. The company has also faced scrutiny regarding its use of health-related and other personal user data.
On Thursday, a Canadian woman filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging that interactions with ChatGPT contributed to her daughter's suicide. Earlier this month, Florida’s attorney general sued the company following two separate shooting incidents in which the alleged attackers reportedly consulted ChatGPT while planning their actions.
OpenAI has denied that its systems encouraged harmful conduct, saying its models repeatedly directed users toward real-world assistance, including mental health professionals, and that it cooperated with law enforcement in both shooting investigations.
The probe comes only days after OpenAI submitted documents to US securities regulators for an initial public offering (IPO), a move expected to be one of the most closely watched stock market debuts in the technology sector.
The issue of regulating artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly prominent globally. European regulators have launched investigations into rival chatbot Grok, developed by Elon Musk’s AI venture, over concerns about antisemitic and sexually explicit content, including deepfake imagery.
Meanwhile, another AI company preparing for a public listing, Anthropic, was reportedly ordered by the Trump administration to restrict access to two of its online models for users outside the United States on national security grounds.
The existence of the OpenAI subpoena was first reported by The Wall Street Journal. State authorities involved in the inquiry have yet to disclose details publicly.
In response to safety concerns, OpenAI highlighted measures aimed at protecting younger users and people in vulnerable situations. The company said ChatGPT now includes enhanced safeguards that guide users toward trusted contacts and real-world support resources.
OpenAI also noted that it has introduced age-prediction technology, parental guidance tools and restrictions on child-targeted advertising as part of its efforts to create a safer environment for minors using its AI services.
1 month ago
OpenAI files confidential paperwork for potential IPO, eyes future Wall Street debut
OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, has filed confidential preliminary paperwork with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), taking a significant step toward a potential initial public offering (IPO).
The San Francisco-based artificial intelligence firm announced Monday that it had submitted confidential registration documents to the SEC, though it has not yet determined a timeline for going public.
“We have not decided on timing yet,” the company said in a statement, adding that remaining private still offers advantages for some of its planned initiatives. However, the filing provides flexibility to pursue a public listing sooner if deemed beneficial.
The move follows a similar announcement by rival AI company Anthropic earlier this month and comes as Elon Musk’s SpaceX also advances plans for a stock market debut, highlighting growing investor interest in the rapidly expanding AI sector.
OpenAI Chief Executive Officer Sam Altman first suggested the possibility of an IPO last year, describing it as the most likely path forward given the company's scale and substantial capital requirements.
Founded in 2015 as a nonprofit organization focused on developing artificial intelligence for public benefit, OpenAI has evolved into one of the world's most valuable technology companies, with an estimated valuation of $852 billion.
Industry analysts say the filing comes at a critical time as OpenAI faces increasing competition from rivals including Anthropic’s Claude chatbot and Google’s Gemini AI assistant.
“OpenAI doesn’t have many alternatives for raising the enormous capital required to support its operations,” said Emarketer analyst Nate Elliott.
The company paved the way for a potential public offering by restructuring its operations last year and converting into a public benefit corporation while remaining under nonprofit oversight.
OpenAI also overcame a major legal challenge last month when it secured a courtroom victory against co-founder Elon Musk, who had sought to block the company's transition to a for-profit structure.
The company has yet to publicly disclose its revenue figures or a timeline for profitability. Like many AI firms, it continues to spend heavily on infrastructure, research and development.
In an interview earlier this year, OpenAI Chief Financial Officer Sarah Friar said the company was already operating with the financial discipline expected of a publicly traded firm.
She noted that OpenAI’s current valuation would place it among the 15 largest companies in the S&P 500 index if it were publicly listed.
Separately, Altman outlined OpenAI’s long-term goals, including developing an automated AI researcher, accelerating global economic growth and eventually providing every person with access to advanced artificial intelligence capabilities.
He said the company is entering a new phase focused on broad distribution of AI benefits and ensuring that the economic gains generated by the technology are shared widely.
The announcement comes amid growing debate over the future ownership and regulation of AI companies, with some policymakers advocating broader public participation in the sector’s growth.
1 month ago
What to know before seeking health advice from an AI chatbot
As hundreds of millions of people turn to artificial intelligence chatbots for advice, tech companies are now rolling out tools designed specifically to answer health-related questions.
In January, OpenAI launched ChatGPT Health, a version of its chatbot that can review users’ medical records, wellness apps and data from wearable devices to respond to health queries. The service is currently available through a waiting list. Rival company Anthropic offers similar features to some users of its Claude chatbot.
Both firms stress that their large language models are not a replacement for doctors and should not be used to diagnose illnesses. Instead, they say the tools can explain complex test results, help users prepare for medical appointments and identify health trends in records and app data.
Experts say chatbots can provide more tailored responses than a standard Google search, especially when users share detailed health information such as age, prescriptions and medical history. “If used responsibly, these tools can offer useful information,” said Dr. Robert Wachter of the University of California, San Francisco. However, he advised users to provide as much relevant detail as possible to improve accuracy.
Doctors warn that AI should never be used during medical emergencies. Symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath or severe headache require immediate medical attention. Even in non-urgent cases, experts recommend approaching AI-generated advice with caution. Dr. Lloyd Minor, dean of Stanford’s medical school, said major health decisions should not rely solely on chatbot responses.
Privacy is another key concern. Health data shared with AI companies is not protected under the US federal health privacy law known as HIPAA, which applies to doctors and hospitals. While OpenAI and Anthropic say health data is kept separate and not used to train their models, users must actively choose to share their information.
Early studies show mixed results. Research from Oxford University in 2024 found that people using AI chatbots did not make better health decisions than those using online searches. Although chatbots correctly identified medical conditions in written scenarios 95% of the time, they often struggled during real-life interactions.
Experts suggest seeking a second AI opinion or consulting a medical professional for added confidence.
4 months ago
OpenAI secures $110 billion funding led by Amazon
ChatGPT developer OpenAI has secured $110 billion in fresh funding from a group of major technology firms led by Amazon, pushing the company’s pre-money valuation to $730 billion.
OpenAI co-founder and CEO Sam Altman said on Friday that Amazon has committed $50 billion to the round, while Nvidia and SoftBank will each invest $30 billion. He added that more investors may join as the funding process continues.
Amazon will initially invest $15 billion, with the remaining $35 billion to be released over the coming months under certain conditions.
Altman said the partnerships will help expand OpenAI’s global reach, strengthen infrastructure and improve financial stability, enabling the company to bring advanced AI tools to more users and businesses worldwide.
He noted that ChatGPT now has over 900 million weekly active users and more than 50 million paying subscribers. According to Altman, AI is entering a new stage where cutting-edge research is rapidly turning into everyday tools used at a global scale.
As part of a multiyear deal, OpenAI and Amazon will introduce new AI capabilities for enterprises, with Amazon Web Services becoming the exclusive third-party cloud provider for OpenAI Frontier. The two firms will also expand their existing agreement by $100 billion over eight years.
OpenAI said it is also deepening ties with Nvidia, while stressing that its long-standing partnership with Microsoft remains unchanged and central to its strategy.
5 months ago
OpenAI considered alerting police before deadly Canadian school shooting
ChatGPT-maker OpenAI said Friday it had considered last year alerting Canadian authorities about a user who months later carried out one of the country’s deadliest school shootings.
In June 2025, OpenAI identified the account of 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar through its abuse detection system for “furtherance of violent activities.” The company said it debated whether to report the account to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) but decided at the time that the activity did not meet the threshold for law enforcement referral. The account was banned that same month for violating OpenAI’s usage policy.
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Last week, Van Rootselaar killed eight people in a remote area of British Columbia before dying from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. OpenAI explained that its threshold for notifying authorities involves cases with an imminent and credible risk of serious physical harm, which it did not find in this instance. The Wall Street Journal first reported the company’s revelation.
Following the shootings, OpenAI said its employees contacted the RCMP, providing information about Van Rootselaar and his use of ChatGPT. “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the Tumbler Ridge tragedy. We proactively reached out to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and will continue to support their investigation,” an OpenAI spokesperson said.
RCMP Staff Sgt. Kris Clark confirmed OpenAI’s post-incident contact and said investigators are reviewing Van Rootselaar’s electronic devices, social media, and online activity. Authorities said he first killed his mother and stepbrother at home before attacking the school. He had prior mental health contacts with police, but his motive remains unclear.
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The small town of Tumbler Ridge, home to 2,700 people, is located over 1,000 kilometers northeast of Vancouver, near the Alberta border. The victims included a 39-year-old teaching assistant and five students aged 12 to 13. The attack was Canada’s deadliest since the 2020 Nova Scotia rampage, in which a gunman killed 13 people and set fires that claimed nine more lives.
5 months ago