OpenAI fired back at Elon Musk’s accusations with evidence showing his previous support for the company’s shift towards a for-profit model and even suggesting a merger with Tesla. Musk, a co-founder of OpenAI, filed a lawsuit alleging the company deviated from its mission of AI development for humanity’s benefit by teaming up with Microsoft.
Elon Musk vs. OpenAI, In response, OpenAI’s co-founders, including Sam Altman and Greg Brockman, moved to dismiss Musk’s claims. They shared emails indicating Musk’s prior approval of OpenAI’s for-profit direction and his suggestions for merging with Tesla.
According to OpenAI, discussions about becoming a for-profit entity started in 2017 due to the limitations of its non-profit structure in advancing artificial general intelligence (AGI). However, disagreements arose over giving any individual, including Musk, absolute control over the company.
Emails revealed Musk’s agreement that OpenAI’s mission didn’t require sharing all its technologies, including AGI. Despite initial openness, Musk later endorsed a less transparent approach as AI development progressed.
Musk hasn’t responded to requests for comment, but he previously criticized OpenAI’s transparency. The lawsuit and ensuing revelations have affected Tesla’s stock value, and some analysts consider it a distraction from Tesla’s core mission.
OpenAI also disclosed Musk’s push for aggressive fundraising, including a proposed $1 billion round in 2015. However, the company has raised less than $45 million from Musk.
The lawsuit reflects Musk’s longstanding discord with OpenAI since his departure, as he pursued his AI venture, xAI. Legal experts question the strength of Musk’s claims based on contract breaches, suggesting they may not hold up in court.