A journalist describes her career shift from an initially planned path to writing about technology and artificial intelligence. Since 2018, she has conducted extensive research on the development of the industry, carrying out over 300 interviews, including more than 90 with current and former employees of OpenAI. Her reporting deliberately extends beyond Silicon Valley to highlight the global impact of the AI industry. It becomes evident that the claim that AI benefits everyone does not reflect reality in many regions. The origins of AI date back to 1956, when the term was coined by John McCarthy. To this day, however, there is no clear definition of “intelligence,” allowing companies to interpret key concepts such as “artificial general intelligence” flexibly and depending on the context, whether addressing policymakers, investors, or users.
At the center of the analysis is the development of OpenAI and the role of Sam Altman, whose leadership style is highly polarizing. While supporters view him as a visionary and persuasive leader, critics accuse him of manipulation and inconsistent communication. Internal conflicts led several key figures to leave the company and found their own AI firms. Altman’s temporary dismissal by the board is also attributed to internal tensions, chaotic structures, and a lack of trust. Key actors accused him of pitting teams against each other and selectively sharing information. His rapid reinstatement followed strong pressure from employees and investors who had not been involved in the initial decision.
The analysis portrays the AI industry as a system marked by concentrated power with imperial characteristics. Companies secure data, resources, and labor on a global scale, control research agendas, and shape public discourse. At the same time, they employ contrasting narratives about the future—ranging from utopian progress to existential risks—to gain support, capital, and political leeway. Critics see this as a deliberate strategy to legitimize control and circumvent regulation. The fundamental criticism targets an undemocratic power structure in which a small number of actors make decisions with global consequences. Instead of focusing on technology that broadly benefits society, the emphasis often lies on maximizing influence, economic profit, and geopolitical dominance.