{
  "id": 16796831,
  "title": "What smart people are saying about OpenAI's Exponential Time Hypothesis claim",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/27/what-smart-people-are-saying-about-openais-exponential-time",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-10-27T20:23:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Insider",
    "slug": "business-insider",
    "url": "https://www.businessinsider.com/smart-people-openai-exponential-time-hypothesis-2026-10"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "OpenAI claims its models have debunked a long-standing computer science hypothesis known as the Exponential Time Hypothesis (ETH). This hypothesis posited that certain logic problems become exponentially time-consuming as they grow larger. Just hours after OpenAI announced its findings, Anthropic released its own research refuting the same hypothesis. OpenAI has since asked a panel of outside computer scientists to conduct an open review of its claim, which they emphasized is not an endorsement.\n\nProminent figures in the tech and mathematics communities have reacted to OpenAI's announcement with a mix of excitement and skepticism. MIT professor Ryan Williams, who is part of the independent group researching OpenAI's claims, expressed that if OpenAI's findings hold true, it could reignite interest in the P = NP problem, potentially earning the company a million-dollar prize. Elsewhere, NYU professor Gary Marcus called the claim \"a big deal if correct,\" while mathematician Timothy Gowers bluntly stated, \"Very surprising and consequential that it is false.\"\n\nDespite the mixed reactions, some see OpenAI's announcement as a potential catalyst for renewed efforts to develop more capable algorithms. Tech consultant Dan Shipper, reflecting on his own lack of expertise in frontier math, expressed a wish to have pursued a Ph.D. in the field. The debate over OpenAI's claim continues to generate discussion among experts and enthusiasts alike.",
  "summary": "OpenAI and Anthropic both said they've proven a long-held computer science theory false. Here's how math and tech leaders are responding.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "TechCrunch",
        "title": "Frontier AI labs say their models refuted the Exponential Time Hypothesis. What does that mean?",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/27/frontier-ai-labs-say-their-models-refuted-the-exponential-time",
        "published": "2026-10-27T17:08:08.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}