Stack Overflow authorities are facing massive user backlash after announcing a partnership with OpenAI to train AI models, including ChatGPT, based on forum content. As a sign of protest, some users began to delete or edit their previous publications.
AI versus users
Reason for dispute
On the popular online forum for programmers Stack Overflow, a conflict broke out between the administration and by users. The reason was a partnership with OpenAI aimed at training artificial intelligence models using forum posts.
User reaction
Many members of the Stack Overflow forum expressed dissatisfaction and began to delete or edit their previous questions and answers. In this way they tried to prevent their content from being used to train ChatGPT.
Moderators' response
The Stack Overflow administration reacted harshly - the forum moderators began to block users, editing or deleting their materials. The basis for the blocking was the clauses of the site rules, according to which the owners of the resource have an irrevocable right to all posted content.
Controversial Points
Users unhappy with the use of their materials for ChatGPT training are particularly critical of Stack Overflow's abrupt change in policy on generative AI. Previously, the site had a strict ban on the use of such technologies to create or paraphrase publications.
Contributor Ben shared on Mastodon his experience editing responses to avoid them being used by OpenAI. According to him, the situation once again reminded that all content on such platforms can be used for commercial purposes by companies.
Glossary
- Stack Overflow - popular Q&A website for programmers
- OpenAI - company, developer of ChatGPT and other AI models
- ChatGPT - an advanced AI model capable of generating texts
- Mastodon - a decentralized social network
Links
Answers to questions
What caused the conflict between Stack Overflow and users?
How did the Stack Overflow administration react to user actions?
What arguments do users give in their defense?
What concerns do users have about using their content to teach AI?
What was Ben's user experience on Stack Overflow?
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Discussion of the topic – Stack Overflow War: Post Deletion Due to Partnership with ChatGPT
A partnership between Stack Overflow and OpenAI to train AI models using forum posts has caused an uproar among users. Many began deleting or changing their questions and answers so that their data would not be used to train ChatGPT.
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Иван
This Stack Overflow situation is really controversial. On the one hand, users created the content and, in their opinion, they should have the right to decide how it will be used. 🤔 On the other hand, the forum administration refers to the terms of use, which seem to give them the right to dispose of all content.
София
I support users in this dispute. 💪 Even if the terms of use formally allow Stack Overflow to use our content to train AI models, this is against the community guidelines. Many programmers are attracted to StackOverflow by the ability to freely share knowledge.
Марк
It seems to me that the Stack Overflow administration is acting too hastily and uncompromisingly. 😕 Instead of immediately blocking dissatisfied users, we could have an open discussion and try to find a compromise. Ultimately, without an active community, the resource itself will lose its value.
Петр
In general, I believe that training AI models on user content is a violation of copyright. 😠 Imagine if books were used to teach AI without the consent of the authors - it would cause a huge scandal. Why should things be different in the case of Internet content?
Франц
Hmm, in my opinion, all these disputes are already outdated. 🙄 Sooner or later, AI will still learn from all available content on the Internet. It is better to accept this and start thinking about how to make this process more transparent and regulated than to try to stop it.
Анна
I support Ivan - a compromise would be the best solution. 👍 Maybe Stack Overflow could offer users a choice on whether or not to allow their content to be used for AI training? At the end of the day, transparency and respect for users should be priorities.
Виктор
But I'm more interested in the technical aspect of this situation. 🤓 How exactly do you plan to use Stack Overflow content to train ChatGPT? Will only certain types of posts be selected or will all content be randomized?
Франц
Eh, young people, you still believe in progress and new technologies. 🚽 In my time, everything was simpler - we wrote code, rather than doing this nonsense with AI. All these hype trends are a waste of time and money. It's better to focus on writing quality code by hand!