Recently, it was reported that ByteDance is secretly developing its own large language model (LLM) using OpenAI technology. This news has attracted widespread attention. However, this practice is generally considered inappropriate in the field of artificial intelligence and directly violates OpenAI's terms of service.
According to reports, ByteDance is lagging behind in the generative artificial intelligence race, so it wants to borrow OpenAI’s technology to speed up its development process. However, OpenAI's terms of service clearly state that their model output cannot be used "to develop artificial intelligence models that compete with our products and services." This regulation is intended to ensure that OpenAI’s technology will not be used for unfair competition and to maintain a fair competitive environment in the industry.
Despite this, ByteDance purchased the rights to use OpenAI technology through Microsoft and relied on the OpenAI API at almost every stage of development to develop their underlying LLM, codenamed Project Seed. According to internal employees, Project Seed employees often reached the OpenAI API access limit.
When news came to light that ByteDance was using GPT to train their artificial intelligence models, OpenAI immediately suspended their account and issued a statement saying: “All API customers must comply with our usage policies to ensure that our technology is used For legitimate purposes. Although ByteDance rarely uses our API, we have suspended their account and will investigate further. If we find that their use violates these policies, we will require them to make the necessary changes Or terminate their accounts.”
At present, it is unclear whether Microsoft will follow OpenAI’s lead and suspend Bytedance’s access. The Microsoft Azure platform is the main way for ByteDance to use GPT. If Microsoft takes similar actions, it will cause a major blow to ByteDance's artificial intelligence development plans.
