OpenAI moves to replace Scale AI with more specialised data partners

OpenAI is gradually ending its partnership with data-labelling startup Scale AI, as it looks for more specialised partners to support its advanced AI models. This move began months ago, well before Meta invested $14.3 billion in Scale and hired its founder, Alexandr Wang.

According to a report by Bloomberg, a spokesperson from OpenAI confirmed that Scale handled only a small portion of its overall data work, and that the company had already started transitioning to other providers better suited to its evolving needs. One such provider is Mercor, which now helps AI companies find experts to assist in model development.

Meta’s recent investment has stirred concerns in the industry, especially as it gains potential insights into rival companies’ AI progress. Google, another client of Scale, is also reportedly ending its relationship with the startup, according to Reuters.

Despite earlier comments suggesting a continued relationship, OpenAI’s leadership had already concluded that Scale wasn’t the right fit for the increasingly complex data demands of newer AI systems. OpenAI is now building models that aim to mimic human reasoning and perform tasks with minimal user input.

Founded in 2016, Scale made its name by providing data-labelling services to tech giants like Google, Meta, and OpenAI. While it initially relied on large numbers of general contractors to label text and images, it later shifted to working with highly educated professionals to support more complex models. Still, OpenAI has chosen to move on in search of deeper data expertise.

 

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