A Hacker Stole OpenAI Secrets, Raising Fears That China Could, Too

A hacker breached OpenAI's internal messaging systems last year, gaining access to discussions about the company's A.I. technologies but not the actual code. The incident, disclosed to employees in April 2023, raised concerns about potential theft by foreign entities like China. OpenAI executives chose not to disclose the breach publicly as no customer or partner data was compromised. The company faced internal divisions over security measures and the risks associated with A.I. technology. Despite fears of national security threats, studies suggest current A.I. systems are not significantly more dangerous than search engines. Companies like OpenAI are implementing security measures and forming committees to address future risks. Chinese companies are rapidly advancing in A.I. technology, posing a potential challenge to U.S. dominance. While concerns exist about the misuse of A.I., experts emphasize the need for responsible development and regulation to mitigate risks. The incident underscores ongoing debates surrounding A.I. security, international competition, and the potential impact on society.