OpenAI is ending its collaboration with data-labeling firm Scale AI following a significant investment in the company by Meta, one of OpenAI’s main competitors. According to a report by Bloomberg, the relationship between OpenAI and Scale had already been slowing over the past six to twelve months. An OpenAI spokesperson confirmed the shift, stating that Scale had only provided a small portion of the data used by OpenAI and that the company had already started sourcing different types of data from other providers.
The decision comes shortly after Meta acquired a 49% stake in Scale and brought its founder, Alexandr Wang, into Meta’s newly established “superintelligence” unit. Wang will continue to serve on Scale’s board while working with Meta, a move that raised concerns about potential access to insights on AI development efforts at other companies, including OpenAI.
In a press release issued June 12, Scale stated that Meta’s investment would “substantially expand” their partnership but emphasized that the company would remain independent and committed to protecting customer data. Scale also highlighted its continued role in supporting major AI labs, businesses, and governments with advanced data solutions.
The investment marks one of Meta’s largest external bets in AI to date, diverging from its usual practice of relying on in-house research. The company is ramping up its AI efforts in a bid to close the gap with competitors like OpenAI, which has led the field with tools such as ChatGPT.
Meanwhile, tensions between the two companies appear to be escalating. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has reportedly accused Meta of attempting to lure away OpenAI employees with offers as high as $100 million. Altman also claimed that Meta views OpenAI as its top rival in the race to lead AI innovation.
As the competition intensifies, OpenAI’s move to distance itself from Scale signals a growing sensitivity around data partnerships and strategic relationships in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
