OpenAI has abandoned plans to loosen the grip of its non-profit parent on the artificial intelligence company, saying its current structure will remain intact following discussions with state officials and civil society leaders.
The company’s chief executive, Sam Altman, told employees that the decision “for the nonprofit to stay in control” came after talks with the attorneys general of California and Delaware.
Bret Taylor, chair of the non-profit board, supported the move.
The for-profit arm, which has raised significant outside funding, will be restructured as a public benefit corporation.
This model allows companies to pursue profits while also taking into account broader societal interests. According to a company statement, the non-profit will remain the controlling shareholder of the new entity.
OpenAI was launched nearly ten years ago as a research lab focused on developing artificial general intelligence in a safe and beneficial manner.
Its founding team included Altman and Elon Musk, who has since parted ways with the group and become a vocal critic.
The company, now valued at $300 billion, has faced legal challenges in its attempt to overhaul its governance.
Musk has accused OpenAI and Altman of straying from the group’s founding ideals and filed a lawsuit earlier this year.