Elon Musk has reignited legal battles against Sam Altman, claiming he was misled into co-founding OpenAI under false pretenses. The lawsuit, filed in a Northern California federal court, alleges that Altman and OpenAI President Greg Brockman deceived Musk by promoting the organization as a non-profit dedicated to safe AI development.
According to Musk, he was "courted and deceived" into investing millions into OpenAI with assurances that it would focus on neutrality and public benefit rather than profit. However, he contends that Altman, Brockman, and Microsoft subsequently formed for-profit OpenAI affiliates and engaged in self-serving practices. Musk describes this betrayal as "of Shakespearean proportions."
The latest lawsuit echoes similar allegations Musk previously filed and dropped in California. He has been vocal about his concerns over AI and its potential dangers, stating that Altman and Brockman promised a safer path compared to profit-driven tech giants. Musk claims Altman's assurances of a non-profit structure were merely a guise for a larger scheme.
The lawsuit also implicates Microsoft, OpenAI’s biggest investor, which has invested around $13 billion into the company. Musk alleges that Microsoft sought to gain influence by making OpenAI dependent on its cloud computing services. Despite Musk's favorable opinion of Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, he asserts that the values of Microsoft and OpenAI did not align.
Musk's revived lawsuit highlights his ongoing concern with AI's development and the ethical governance of tech companies. The case underscores the tension between the pursuit of innovation and the safeguarding of broader societal interests. As this legal battle unfolds, it could reshape the narrative around AI development and the responsibilities of its key players.
