Meta’s former chief AI scientist Yann LeCun has publicly questioned OpenAI’s claims around achieving artificial general intelligence (AGI) following a social media exchange with OpenAI vice president Sebastien Bubeck. The discussion, which unfolded on X (formerly Twitter), highlighted differences over research transparency and whether any single company can deliver AGI. LeCun criticised OpenAI’s approach to conducting research largely behind closed doors and later rejected the idea that AGI would emerge from one organisation or a single breakthrough, stating that OpenAI does not have a monopoly on innovation.

OpenAI VP praises internal research environment

The exchange began when Bubeck described OpenAI as the “best research environment” he has worked in. He said the company offers “freedom to explore” ideas, access to advanced tools, and operates in a field rich with research opportunities.“I’ve been in lots of places in my career. OAI is simply the best research environment I have ever seen,” Bubeck wrote, calling the setup “special.”

Yann LeCun criticises research secrecy

Yann LeCun responded by questioning OpenAI’s culture of secrecy. He argued that research loses its value if it is not openly shared.“Except for the whole ‘don’t tell anyone about your research’ part,” LeCun wrote. “Research in secret is not research.”Bubeck defended OpenAI’s approach by referencing mathematician Andrew Wiles, who worked privately for years before proving Fermat’s Last Theorem.“So when Wiles worked in secret on Fermat’s last theorem for 7 years he wasn’t doing research?” Bubeck asked.LeCun replied that Wiles ultimately published his work. “He published a paper about it once he had a proof,” he said.

Disagreement on AGI and OpenAI’s role

During the conversation, Sebastien Bubeck suggested that achieving AGI could take several years. “It might take us more than 7 years to accomplish our own goal (AGI), we shall see!” he wrote.LeCun dismissed the idea that AGI would result from a single effort or company. “It’s not going to be a singular event resulting from a single magic-bullet idea,” he said, adding, “Also, it won’t come from OpenAI.”

Wider debate in the AI community

The exchange reflects broader debates in the AI community over openness, competition, and the future of advanced AI systems. While OpenAI has increasingly limited access to its most advanced research, figures like LeCun continue to argue for open scientific collaboration.The discussion highlights ongoing disagreements about how AI research should be conducted and who, if anyone, will lead the development of AGI.