- Musk sues OpenAI, Altman
- Alleges profit over public good
- Seeks jury trial
It is the latest challenge for the troubled Sam Altman, who was removed from his position as CEO of OpenAI and subsequently reinstated a few months ago.
Tesla and X owner, the billionaire Elon Musk, is suing the artificial intelligence company OpenAI, alleging that the firm prioritised profit over public interest in AI development.
Elon Musk is initiating legal action against OpenAI, an organisation he co-founded, and its CEO, Sam Altman, for breach of contract. Specifically, Musk accuses Altman of failing to adhere to his commitment to develop artificial intelligence carefully and distribute the technology widely.
According to court filings, the organisation responsible for the innovative generative AI chatbot, ChatGPT, has “become a closed-source de facto subsidiary of the largest technology company, Microsoft.”
This court action marks the latest in a series of challenges faced by Mr Altman, who was ousted from his role at OpenAI by the company board. After his removal, he briefly worked at Microsoft, OpenAI’s largest shareholder, before being reinstated.
Musk Challenges OpenAI’s Profit Shift
The commercial interests of the AI giant, which emerged after its founding as a not-for-profit organisation, have caused tension between board members and the company’s founders.
Mr Musk alleges in the lawsuit that OpenAI and its senior executives have “violated” this agreement and “distorted” the organisation’s mission by fostering a close relationship with Microsoft.
According to the filing, under its new board, Microsoft is not just developing but also refining an AGI [artificial general intelligence] with the aim of maximising profits for the company rather than for the benefit of humanity.
The court filing states that OpenAI’s mission to benefit humanity included making the company’s software open source and sharing it; however, this has not happened.
Instead, the company operates under a for-profit business model.
Elon Musk, who owns an AI company called xAI, has stated that OpenAI does not pay adequate attention to the potential dangers of AI.
Elon Musk’s lawsuit not only alleges breach of contract but also claims that OpenAI is guilty of violations of fiduciary duty and unfair business practices. Musk has chosen to pursue a jury trial.
