**Microsoft and OpenAI Revamp Partnership with New AGI Verification Agreement**
In a significant update to their collaboration, Microsoft and OpenAI have signed a new agreement that reshapes their partnership and establishes a crucial new rule for the future of artificial intelligence. The centerpiece of this revamped deal requires OpenAI to obtain independent verification before declaring that it has achieved artificial general intelligence (AGI).
**Independent Verification for AGI Claims**
Under the updated terms, OpenAI can no longer unilaterally declare the achievement of AGI. Instead, an independent expert panel must verify any such claim. This change marks one of the most important updates to the extensive contract between the two companies, formalized alongside OpenAI’s recent restructuring into a for-profit entity.
The joint announcement stated:
*“Once AGI is declared by OpenAI, that declaration will now be verified by an independent expert panel.”*
This means that if OpenAI claims to have developed AI with human-level intelligence or beyond, Microsoft won’t blindly accept that assertion—they will rely on an external review to confirm it.
**Addressing Past Concerns**
Previously, the original “AGI clause” in Microsoft’s investment deal allowed OpenAI to trigger the AGI declaration on its own, potentially cutting Microsoft off from future AI models or intellectual property rights. This arrangement gave OpenAI substantial control, which was a source of discomfort for Microsoft.
By renegotiating the terms, Microsoft has ensured it won’t be locked out arbitrarily when AI advances. While OpenAI still initiates the AGI claim, independent expert approval is now mandatory to make the declaration official.
**Extended IP Rights Through 2032**
Even after AGI is independently verified, Microsoft’s access to OpenAI’s technology remains secure. The new agreement extends Microsoft’s intellectual property rights for both AI models and products through 2032, covering post-AGI models with some limitations and exceptions.
Though this update may seem distant from the everyday consumer’s experience, it is reassuring. It promises external checks on OpenAI’s capabilities, providing greater transparency and reducing the likelihood of surprises when AI reaches unprecedented levels of intelligence. While not a full regulatory oversight, it is a meaningful step toward accountability.
**Formalizing the Definition of AGI**
This partnership overhaul also helps to clarify what AGI means. Rather than a vague buzzword, AGI is now a formal milestone—a fully technical threshold. To be recognized as AGI, an AI must demonstrate the ability to think across domains, learn independently, and reason as well as or better than humans—not just make empty claims.
There are still open questions about the independent panel: who will sit on it, who will select its members, and how decisions will be reached. Nonetheless, the establishment of this panel signals a new phase in AI development focused on external verification rather than internal enthusiasm alone.
**Implications for Microsoft and OpenAI**
For Microsoft, the agreement includes the right to pursue AGI independently or with other partners, which is increasingly important as more players enter the AGI race. Meanwhile, OpenAI gains the freedom to explore open-weight models and collaborate with third parties on products outside of API offerings.
This clearer division of rights and responsibilities makes transparency crucial as the AI landscape evolves.
**What This Means for You**
While this restructuring won’t change how you interact with ChatGPT today, it could influence how much you trust AI tomorrow. When OpenAI officially declares, “This AI is as smart as a human,” you can be confident that claim has passed an independent review.
It may not be full accountability, but much like AGI itself, this move aims to mimic the real thing closely enough to matter.
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*Written by TechRadar*
https://www.techradar.com/ai-platforms-assistants/chatgpt/microsoft-says-once-agi-is-declared-by-openai-it-will-be-verified-by-independent-experts-heres-why-thats-a-big-deal
