SpaceX, Tesla, and X owner Elon Musk is embroiled in a legal feud with OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman, over what he perceives as a departure from the nonprofit organization’s original mission. Musk contends that OpenAI’s collaboration with Microsoft has veered away from its core principle of advancing open-source artificial general intelligence (AGI) for the betterment of humanity.
In a recent filing with the Superior Court of California for the County of San Francisco, Musk accuses OpenAI of breaching their nonprofit agreement by engaging in for-profit endeavors with Microsoft. He is seeking an injunction to halt the commercial exploitation of AGI technology and urges OpenAI to return to its open-source roots.
Central to Musk’s argument is the launch of ChatGPT-4 in March 2023, which he claims deviates significantly from OpenAI’s original principles. Unlike its predecessors, ChatGPT-4 operates as a closed model, benefiting Microsoft financially and contradicting OpenAI’s initial nonprofit mission.
Founded as a nonprofit AI research lab in 2015, OpenAI shifted towards a profit-driven model after establishing a business arm in 2020. Critics, including Musk, argue that this transition prioritizes speed and profit over positive human impact.
Reports from the Financial Times suggest that OpenAI’s revenues have soared past $2 billion annually, largely driven by the success of its flagship AI product, ChatGPT. This rapid growth positions OpenAI as one of the fastest-growing tech companies in history.
Musk, a vocal advocate for cautious AI development, has consistently warned of the existential threats posed by artificial intelligence. He emphasizes the importance of stringent government regulation and responsible research practices in the field.
Additionally, Musk criticizes the expertise of OpenAI’s current board, alleging a lack of technical proficiency necessary for responsible AGI development. He points to the internal conflict surrounding Altman’s removal and reinstatement in November 2023 as evidence of a profit-driven agenda aligned with Microsoft’s interests.
As an original board member of OpenAI until 2018, Musk expresses concern about the implications of ChatGPT-4 and future AGI iterations on public safety, underscoring the need for ethical AI development practices.
