Media: OpenAI has refused the services of Scale AI after the deal with Meta

OpenAI is ending its partnership with Scale AI, Bloomberg reports. The decision was made after Meta Corporation announced its acquisition of 49% of the shares in the AI project.

Scale AI provides data labeling services for training neural networks. Among the startup's clients are direct competitors of Meta, including Microsoft.

According to a representative of OpenAI, the company began to reduce its reliance on the project even before the deal with Meta. He added that the developer of ChatGPT was looking for other providers to support more complex AI models.

OpenAI noted that over the past 6-12 months, the company has realized that Scale AI cannot provide the necessary expertise data. OpenAI is creating advanced AI models that mimic human thinking, and they require different contractors, a representative stated. One of the new partners is the startup Mercor, according to Bloomberg.

At the same time, last week, OpenAI's CFO Sarah Fry stated the intention to continue working with Scale AI.

Competition

As part of a $14.8 billion deal, Meta hired the founder of the startup, Alexander Wang, for its new division. This raised concerns that the corporation would gain access to competitors' developments.

According to Reuters, Google also plans to terminate its collaboration with Scale AI. The agency reported that other clients are considering ending their cooperation.

Under the terms of the agreement, Meta acquired a 49% stake in Scale AI without voting rights. Journalists emphasized that this format is known as acquihiring (acquihire) — the acquisition of a company for its employees.

The temporary CEO of Scale AI, Jason Droge, assured that the startup "definitely remains an independent company." He added that "nothing has changed in the commitments to protect customer data."

Recall that on June 16, OpenAI received a $200 million contract from the Pentagon to develop prototypes of advanced AI solutions.