哈萨比斯唯一官方传记首度揭秘：曾想让DeepMind脱离谷歌，还准备了一个疯狂的“B计划”

Core Insights - The article discusses the internal struggle of Demis Hassabis and his team at DeepMind to maintain their independence from Google, particularly after the rise of ChatGPT in 2022, which prompted Google to push for faster commercialization of AI technologies [2] - Hassabis secretly planned a bold "redemption plan" to raise $5 billion to transform DeepMind into a non-profit AGI laboratory, reflecting the tension between capital and ideals in the global AI competition [2] Group 1: The Redemption Plan - The "B Plan" was conceived in 2016, where Hassabis and Suleyman considered raising $5 billion from external investors to gain governance rights from Google [3] - The proposed $5 billion would cover DeepMind's operational costs for over five years, with the argument that it would ensure AGI development in a safe environment [3] - A legal structure was proposed to emphasize DeepMind's commitment to social good rather than profit, aiming to establish a "guarantee company" typically used for non-profit organizations [4] Group 2: Legal and Strategic Challenges - The team faced significant legal challenges in attempting to separate from Google, as DeepMind employees were legally bound to Google, complicating any potential transition [5] - Despite the risks, the team believed that claiming the split would serve the public interest could deter Google from legal action, as the company was concerned about its reputation [5] - The strategy involved engaging with billionaires interested in funding the B Plan while carefully avoiding overt pressure on Google [6] Group 3: Discussions with Investors - During the Asilomar AI Safety Conference in January 2017, Hassabis and Suleyman discussed their plans with Reid Hoffman, who expressed willingness to invest $1 billion in a new non-profit AI company [7][9] - Hoffman's support stemmed from his belief in the need for a governance structure that serves the public interest, especially in light of political inaction on technology regulation [8][9] - The proposed "Global Interest Company" would operate efficiently under capitalism but focus on public benefit rather than profit [9] Group 4: Negotiations with Google - Hassabis and Suleyman attempted to negotiate a split from Google, proposing a governance structure that included both Google representatives and independent directors [12] - Initial discussions with Sundar Pichai were friendly, but ultimately, Pichai opposed the idea of splitting DeepMind from Alphabet, emphasizing the importance of AI to Google's vision [13][14] - The relationship between Google and DeepMind deteriorated as both parties recognized their interdependence, leading to ongoing tensions over the direction of AI development [19]