OpenAI and Microsoft knew they were starting a ‘doom loop’ for the web
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Recently unsealed court documents in the New York Times' case against OpenAI and Microsoft are pretty damning. The companies' own documentation warned that it was starting a "doom loop" that would damage the web, characterized its scraping of data to train its models as the "largest theft of labor i
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A dimly lit server room filled with humming servers and tangled cables, with two figures in suits poring over a document labeled 'DOOM LOOP DOCUMENTATION'
Caption: They knew it was a bad idea, but the servers had to be filled
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Based on the original story on theverge.com.
Editor's note
This recent revelation underscores how the partnership between OpenAI and Microsoft not only threatened to undermine the integrity of the web but also revealed a recklessness that could have far-reaching consequences for how we access and use digital information. It's a stark reminder that even the most powerful technological advancements come with significant societal implications.
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Panel 1
*Alex is in a lab, tinkering with gadgets and prototypes. Sam stands by, looking skeptical. Robin is holding a newspaper with the headline * Sam (deadpan) Robin (excited)
Alex: DOOM LOOP LOOMING.
Alex: Hey Sam, look what we’re building! It’s going to change the web for the better!
Sam: Sure, Alex. Because what could go wrong with a 'doom loop'?
Robin: And we get to steal all the data! It’s like a tech heist!
Panel 2
*Alex is drawing diagrams on a whiteboard, overly enthusiastic. Sam is looking at the diagrams with a concerned expression. Robin is flipping through the newspaper, still holding it aloft.* Robin (grinning)
Alex: See, Sam? We’re just enhancing the web, making it better and stronger!
Sam: Enhancing it into oblivion, more like.
Robin: And if we hit a roadblock, we’ll just scrape our way through!
Panel 3
*Alex is happily coding on a laptop, oblivious. Sam is looking at the laptop screen with a wry smile. Robin is reading the newspaper, looking mischievous.* Robin (to the reader)
Alex: We’re on the right track! No need to worry about any 'doom loops'!
Sam: Right. Just keep pushing buttons and hoping for the best.
Robin: Who needs ethics when you have patents and profits?
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