OpenAI, a leading artificial intelligence startup, is weighing the possibility of lifting a provision that would prevent Microsoft, its major partner and investor, from accessing its most advanced AI technology, including artificial general intelligence (AGI). According to a report by the Financial Times, the startup's board of directors is yet to make a final decision on the matter.

The provision in question was initially intended to prevent AGI, once achieved, from being misused for commercial gain. It would hand ownership of the technology to OpenAI's nonprofit board and carve AGI out of all licensing agreements. However, the startup is now under immense pressure to raise capital to continue its research and development (R&D) efforts, which may be influencing its decision to reconsider the provision.

OpenAI defines AGI as "highly autonomous systems that outperform humans at most economically valuable work." The exact timing of when OpenAI will achieve AGI is uncertain, but the startup's board of directors will ultimately determine when that milestone is reached. If the provision is lifted, Microsoft would be able to continue accessing and investing in OpenAI's technology, including AGI, after it is achieved.

The potential removal of the provision raises important questions about the ownership and control of advanced AI technology. While OpenAI's initial intention was to prevent the misuse of AGI, lifting the provision could lead to concerns about the concentration of power and influence in the hands of a few large corporations. On the other hand, allowing Microsoft to continue investing in OpenAI's technology could accelerate the development of AGI and its potential applications.

The decision also has significant implications for the future of AI research and development. If OpenAI lifts the provision, it could set a precedent for other AI startups and companies, potentially leading to a shift in the way AI technology is developed, owned, and controlled. Furthermore, it could influence the direction of AI research, with potential consequences for the broader tech industry and society as a whole.

As OpenAI's board of directors continues to deliberate on the provision, the tech industry will be watching closely to see how this decision unfolds. With the potential for AGI to transform numerous industries and aspects of our lives, the stakes are high, and the implications of this decision will be felt far beyond the walls of OpenAI and Microsoft.