Microsoft Invests Billions In OpenAI, Bans Use of ChatGPT Temporarily
By Pierre Herubel
In an unexpected move, Microsoft temporarily banned the use of OpenAI’s famous product, ChatGPT, for its employees. The ban was attributed to security and data concerns, prompting Microsoft to restrict access to the AI tool on corporate devices. Alongside ChatGPT, the company also initially prohibited the use of design software, Canva. However, Microsoft later retracted the ban on ChatGPT after the initial publication of the story.
The decision to restrict the use of ChatGPT reflects a broader trend among large companies to limit access to the product in order to prevent the sharing of confidential data. Known for generating human-like responses based on extensive internet data, ChatGPT boasts over 100 million users. Despite the ban, Microsoft recommends that employees use Bing Chat tool, which relies on OpenAI artificial intelligence models.
The move to ban ChatGPT does not appear to be linked to any retaliatory measures against Microsoft, as confirmed in a post by OpenAI’s Sam Altman. However, hacking group Anonymous Sudan claimed responsibility for targeting ChatGPT in a cyber attack, citing concerns about OpenAI’s cooperation with Israel.
This development comes at a time when Microsoft has invested heavily in OpenAI, and the two companies have been collaborating closely. Earlier this week, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella made a surprise appearance alongside OpenAI’s Sam Altman at the startup’s first developer conference.
Despite the ban, Microsoft has made significant efforts to integrate OpenAI’s services into its Windows operating system and Office applications, leveraging the power of OpenAI on Microsoft’s Azure cloud infrastructure.
While the ban on ChatGPT was later lifted, the incident highlights the complexities of balancing the benefits of AI tools with the need to safeguard privacy and security concerns in the corporate environment.
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