Elon Musk Sues OpenAI, Accusing Them of Prioritizing Profit Over Public Good
March 1, 2024 Science & Technology
Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, the artificial intelligence research company he co-founded, accusing it of prioritizing profit over its original mission of developing safe and beneficial AI for humanity.
The lawsuit, also targeting OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, claims the company has deviated from its founding principles of open-source research and public benefit by embracing a "closed-source" model and forging a close partnership with Microsoft, a major shareholder.
"Refining" AI to primarily benefit Microsoft financially
Musk alleges that OpenAI is now "refining" artificial general intelligence (AGI) to primarily benefit Microsoft financially, rather than focusing on the broader good. Additionally, the lawsuit claims OpenAI has breached its founding contract and engaged in unfair business practices.
This legal action follows a period of internal turmoil at OpenAI, where Altman was briefly ousted only to be reinstated as CEO. The company, originally established as a non-profit, has faced tensions between its founders and board members regarding its direction and commercialization.
He is seeking a jury trial
Musk, who owns his own AI company, xAI, has previously expressed concerns about OpenAI's lack of focus on potential risks associated with advanced AI development. He is seeking a jury trial in the case.
OpenAI and Microsoft have not yet commented on the lawsuit.