OpenAI CEO Sam Altman Acknowledges Shift Toward Open-Source AI, Praises Chinese Startup DeepSeek.

In a candid Reddit “Ask Me Anything” session, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman revealed that the company’s historically secretive approach to AI development may have placed it “on the wrong side of history” regarding open-source practices. Altman expressed personal support for greater transparency and the publication of OpenAI’s research, though he noted that this stance is not universally shared within the organization. While he advocates for open-sourcing, Altman clarified that it is not currently a top priority for OpenAI, highlighting an ongoing internal debate between protecting intellectual property and fostering collaborative innovation.Altman’s remarks come amid growing competition from companies like DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup that has gained attention for its open-source strategies. DeepSeek’s R1 chatbot has been praised not only for its performance but also for the company’s commitment to sharing its source code. This approach stands in stark contrast to the more guarded strategies employed by industry leaders like OpenAI and Google, underscoring a broader tension in the AI sector between proprietary development and open collaboration.The open-source model, which allows developers to access, modify, and build upon software code, has been embraced by companies such as Meta, DeepSeek, and French startup Mistral. These firms position themselves as champions of accessibility and innovation, challenging the dominance of closed systems. Altman acknowledged the effectiveness of DeepSeek’s model, describing it as “very good,” but emphasized that OpenAI remains focused on developing even more advanced AI systems.When asked whether DeepSeek’s rise has influenced OpenAI’s future plans, Altman conceded that the competitive landscape is evolving. He admitted that OpenAI’s advantage may not be as pronounced as in previous years, suggesting that the growing open-source movement and the emergence of competitors like DeepSeek are leveling the playing field. This shift signals a potential turning point in the AI industry, where collaboration and transparency could play increasingly central roles in driving innovation.As the debate over open-source versus proprietary AI continues, Altman’s comments reflect a broader reckoning within the tech industry about the balance between competition and collaboration in the race to advance artificial intelligence.