In an interview with The Wall Street Journal on June 21, Nadella stated, "Some AI companies warn of safety risks and job losses while simultaneously expanding their businesses in ways that require massive data centers and computing resources." He added, "This logic is contradictory," asserting that the public will not accept a situation where a few models and companies monopolize global learning.
Although Nadella did not specifically name OpenAI, Anthropic, or Google, The Wall Street Journal interpreted his remarks as targeting companies that develop monopolistic advanced AI models that shape the industry's direction.
Microsoft has recently intensified its strategy to lower AI usage costs by launching a series of low-cost AI models. The company also unveiled an autonomous AI agent called 'Copilot Co-work,' allowing users to choose from various AI models based on their tasks.
Additionally, Microsoft is considering integrating the low-cost AI model from Chinese company DeepMind into its services. OpenAI and Anthropic have criticized DeepMind for creating low-cost models that mimic their high-performance offerings. If Microsoft adopts DeepMind's technology, it could increase the use of low-cost AI models and intensify price competition for OpenAI and Anthropic.
Nadella's comments are particularly noteworthy given Microsoft's status as a key partner of OpenAI. The company has invested billions of dollars in OpenAI to support the spread of ChatGPT and entered into a major contract with Anthropic last year. Microsoft stated that this strategic shift is not a zero-sum game targeting specific companies and that it will continue its collaborative relationships.
The Wall Street Journal noted that Microsoft is focusing on making AI models a general commodity as it falls behind in the competition for its own advanced AI models.
Nadella emphasized that AI should not be viewed merely as a tool for cost-cutting and workforce reduction. He urged companies to focus on restructuring work processes and leveraging internal data and personnel alongside AI.
He also warned that the AI industry would struggle to achieve sustainable growth without gaining public trust. Nadella remarked, "It is no longer enough to just talk; we need to ensure that people feel they have control and economic opportunities."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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