Elon Musk Broadens His Disagreement with OpenAI to Encompass Microsoft as Well
Elon Musk has extended his legal battle against OpenAI and its co-founder Sam Altman, as well as Microsoft and LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, by amending his original lawsuit. This 107-page filing presents Musk's perspective on the situation. In his view, he was lured into a partnership by Altman's promise of a world with safe AI, only to discover that OpenAI had partnered with Microsoft to generate profit.
The lawsuit states, "A corporation has never before transitioned from a tax-exempt charity to a $157 billion for-profit entity that holds the potential to paralyze markets, all within eight years. Such a shift violates nearly every principle governing economic activity, requiring deception towards donors, members, markets, regulators, and the public alike."
The conflict between Musk and Altman stretches back several years. Musk co-founded OpenAI with Altman in 2015, investing $44 million into the venture before leaving in 2018. The lawsuit alleges that Altman persuaded Musk to join a non-profit venture dedicated to AI safety, only to subsequently partner with Microsoft to generate revenue.
The lawsuit accuses OpenAI of betraying Musk for financial gain, stating, "OpenAI, Inc., which Musk established as an independent charity focused on safety and transparency, is now, under Altman's direction, transitioning into a wholly profitable subsidiary of Microsoft. Altman, in collusion with other defendants, intentionally misled Musk, exploiting his humanitarian concerns about AI risks."
OpenAI's corporate structure is unusual. A non-profit board oversees the company, with a mission to accept donations, expand, develop safe general AI, and benefit humanity. However, the company's financial situation changed, and it started selling products such as ChatGPT. The non-profit board remains in control, but with some complications.
Musk claims he's displeased with the decision to generate revenue. "Due to their unlawful actions, defendants have unjustly enriched themselves to the tune of hundreds of billions in value, deceiving Musk and the public alike," the lawsuit states.
The lawsuit also outlines a dystopian future Musk believes AI might create, including replacing the workforce, spreading disinformation, impersonating humans, and manipulating political and military systems. These consequences could potentially lead to humanity's extinction.
The lawsuit contains 26 separate allegations, including two alleged violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, which is typically used by federal authorities to dismantle organized crime rings. The inclusion of Microsoft and Hoffman in the lawsuit adds a new layer to an already complex and prolonged legal process. Musk initially filed the lawsuit in March of this year, only to withdraw it in July and subsequently refile it in August.
In response to the initial filing, OpenAI publicly disclosed emails Musk sent while still involved with the company, presenting a less controversial account of events. According to OpenAI, Musk attempted to seize control of the company and merge it with Tesla, but his plan was rejected, leading to his departure.
The amended lawsuit further articulates Musk's concerns, stating, "Given the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence technology, the future of society hinges on ensuring its safe and ethical use. The shift towards profit-generation by OpenAI, a non-profit initially established for AI safety, contradicts this vital need."
Moreover, Musk's legal battle underscores the potential implications of tech giants' decisions in the realm of artificial intelligence, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in the tech sector's future developments.
