Tether, the issuer of the USDT stablecoin, has announced plans to develop decentralized artificial intelligence (AI) models as part of its expansion into the AI sector. CEO Paolo Ardoino revealed this strategic move, emphasizing that these AI models could have prevented the hack of OpenAI that occurred last year.
The incident at OpenAI involved a hacker infiltrating the company’s internal messaging systems to steal information about AI product designs. While the attackers were unable to access the system housing the AI development, the company chose not to disclose the breach publicly or report it to law enforcement agencies. This decision has faced criticism, with some questioning the handling of the situation. Ardoino believes that utilizing locally executable AI models could have prevented such breaches.
Ardoino explained that locally executable AI models offer increased privacy protection and system resilience. He highlighted that modern smartphones and laptops have the necessary capabilities to fine-tune large language models (LLMs) with users’ data, preserving enhancements on the device itself. Tether is currently working on developing these AI solutions, with Ardoino concluding his statement with a “work in progress” note.
This initiative aligns with Tether’s establishment of a new AI division, which aims to leverage the growing trend in AI technology. The company is focused on pioneering the development of open-source, multimodal AI models to set industry standards and drive innovation. Tether has already made significant investments in AI companies like the Northern Data Group, further bolstering its commitment to advancing AI technology within its operations.
Tether’s AI unit will be responsible for building AI models and fostering collaborations to integrate AI solutions into market-driven products. The division also seeks to contribute to the field of open AI, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and innovation within the industry. By dedicating resources to AI development, Tether aims to position itself as a key player in the evolving landscape of AI technology and contribute to advancements in the field.
In conclusion, Tether’s foray into decentralized AI models marks a significant step in its expansion strategy and commitment to innovation. By prioritizing privacy protection, system resilience, and industry standards, the company is poised to make a lasting impact on the AI sector. As Tether continues to invest in AI technology and forge collaborations within the industry, it is positioning itself as a leader in the development and integration of AI solutions.
