OpenAI reverses course and says non-profit arm will retain control of firm.

OpenAI, one of the leading companies in the artificial intelligence tech sector, recently announced that it is retracing its steps, withdrawing its intention to gain greater independence for the company's for-profit section. According to earlier statements, the latter section was to take complete control of OpenAI, transforming the entire company according to a for-profit solution.

Following a series of communications with several civic leaders and the heads of the California and Delaware attorneys general's offices, OpenAI's board then decided to relinquish control of the company to the nonprofit organization. More specifically, it will deal with the company as a major shareholder.

The for-profit section, on the other hand, will be transformed into a public benefit corporation. The new definition thus outlines the mission dedicated to a corporate structure that is simultaneously profit-driven, but also careful to “consider the interests of both shareholders and the mission itself.”