OpenAI restricts access to scientific breakthroughs despite criticism

OpenAI announced on Monday major advances in mathematics, computer science, and physics, promising an evolving approach to sharing its findings. The company now relies on "expert shepherds" to decide how to release results, a method that is sparking controversy.

The three breakthroughs address some of the most significant unsolved problems in these fields. For mathematics, OpenAI published AI-generated outputs without explanation. In computer science, an external team will analyze the results, while in physics, no findings have been released yet. Researchers welcome the move to consult external experts but criticize the decision to restrict access to a handful of scientists chosen by OpenAI.

This selective dissemination strategy, already criticized by groups like AGMAI, risks creating unequal access and delaying verifications. Despite enthusiasm for the results themselves, experts denounce a lack of transparency and a communication approach that prioritizes control over scientific openness.