OpenAI plans to deploy a new web crawler to consume a larger portion of the open internet.
OpenAI has launched a fresh web crawling bot, GPTBot, to enhance its data pool for training upcoming AI systems. The next iteration, seemingly labeled “GPT-5,” has been trademarked, implying an imminent release. OpenAI is advising web publishers on how to exclude their content from this substantial dataset.
This web crawler will gather publicly available data while avoiding restricted, sensitive, and forbidden content. Like established search engines such as Google, Bing, and Yandex, GPTBot is opt-out by default, assuming accessible information is usable. To prevent the OpenAI web crawler from indexing their site, website owners need to incorporate a “disallow” rule into a standard server file.
OpenAI also mentions that GPTBot will proactively review scraped data to eliminate personally identifiable information (PII) and content violating its guidelines.
However, certain technology ethicists argue that the opt-out approach raises concerns about consent.
On Next africa News ,Some users justified OpenAI’s decision, stating that comprehensive data gathering is necessary for a capable generative AI tool in the future. Others, more concerned about privacy, claimed that OpenAI is creating derivative work without proper citation, thus obscuring its sources.
The release of GPTBot follows criticism of OpenAI for scraping data without permission to train Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT. To address this, the company updated its privacy policies in April.
Moreover, a recent trademark application for GPT-5 suggests that OpenAI is preparing its next model. This new system is likely to involve extensive web scraping to enhance its training data. This direction may shift OpenAI’s focus from transparency and AI safety, but it’s understandable given ChatGPT’s widespread use in a competitive market. The quality of data shapes the effectiveness of any LLM, including OpenAI’s flagship product.
OpenAI plans to deploy a new web crawler to consume a larger portion of the open internet.
“We don’t sell your information. Instead, based on the information we have, advertisers and other partners pay us to show you personalized ads,”Meta
Summary
OpenAI introduces GPTBot, a web crawler, to gather data for upcoming AI systems, including the anticipated “GPT-5.” GPTBot collects public data while excluding restricted content and offers an opt-out approach for website owners using a “disallow” rule.
OpenAI plans to deploy a new web crawler to consume a larger portion of the open internet.
While GPTBot proactively removes sensitive information, concerns about consent and proper citation arise. Some users believe comprehensive data collection is essential for capable AI, while others worry about privacy and data sourcing.
The move follows OpenAI’s privacy policy update and the trademark application for GPT-5, indicating a new model in development. Balancing data quality and AI safety becomes crucial as OpenAI shifts focus to enhance its training data and compete in the market.
OpenAI requires more and fresher data in substantial quantities. Conversely, Meta, a prominent social media company, has developed an open-source language model (LLM) and offered it for free, with the exception of competitors and large businesses. While Meta hasn’t disclosed its model’s training datasets or collected information, users can fine-tune the model using their own datasets.
OpenAI has launched a fresh web crawling bot, GPTBot, to enhance its data pool for training upcoming AI systems
OpenAI relies on its accumulated data for model training and establishing a lucrative AI tool ecosystem. In contrast, Meta aims to establish a profitable business by utilizing and sharing its data. This approach not only aids in enhancing its models but also allows third parties to utilize the data.
ChatGPT has garnered more than 1.5 billion active users every month. Microsoft’s foresight in investing $10 billion in OpenAI is evident as the integration of ChatGPT has enhanced Bing’s capabilities.
OpenAI currently leads the rapidly advancing field of AI, with major tech companies racing to catch up. The company’s new web crawler has the potential to further enhance its models’ performance. However, the expansion of internet data collection raises ethical concerns regarding copyright and consent.
As AI systems become more advanced, maintaining a balance between transparency, ethics, and capabilities remains a complex challenge. On a contrasting note, Meta, the social media giant, has released an open-source Large Language Model (LLM). Meta’s model is available for free to non-competitors and not excessively large businesses. Although Meta hasn’t disclosed the datasets used for training or the information gathered, users can fine-tune the model using their own data.
While OpenAI employs its crawled data for training models and developing a profitable AI ecosystem, Meta aims to build a profitable business centered around its data. Meta not only employs the data to improve models but also shares it with third parties for their use.
