In a contentious lawsuit filed in San Francisco, Elon Musk accuses OpenAI, a research lab he co-founded, of straying from its initial commitment to open-source artificial intelligence (AI) for the benefit of humanity.
The lawsuit targets OpenAI, its CEO Sam Altman, and president Gregory Brockman, alleging breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, and unfair business practices. Musk argues that OpenAI’s recent partnership with Microsoft and the subsequent monetization of its powerful AI tool, GPT-4, contradicts the organization’s original mission. He demands that OpenAI and Microsoft be barred from profiting from this technology. OpenAI’s GPT-4, released in March 2023, surpasses previous iterations in capabilities but comes with a paywall. While basic models remain free, accessing GPT-4’s full potential requires a monthly subscription. This, according to Musk, violates OpenAI’s founding principles of democratic access to AI advancements.
The lawsuit delves further, alleging that Altman’s temporary dismissal in 2023 and subsequent reinstatement involved Microsoft’s influence, impacting the board’s composition. Musk claims the current board lacks the scientific expertise needed to navigate the complexities of AI development. This legal battle isn’t entirely unexpected. For years, Musk has publicly criticized OpenAI’s shift towards commercialization. He established his own AI company, xAI, in 2023, highlighting his conflicting views on open-source AI development. Additionally, his involvement in companies like Neuralink and Optimus, both focused on AI research, further complicates the narrative.
Walter Isaacson’s biography of Musk suggests a deeper rift. Allegedly, Musk proposed merging OpenAI with Tesla, a move opposed by the board.
This disagreement, coupled with his desire to integrate AI into Tesla vehicles, led to his departure from OpenAI in 2018. OpenAI’s launch of a commercial division and the popular chatbot ChatGPT further solidified the divide. While the organization remains dedicated to fundamental research, its partnership with Microsoft and the monetization of certain tools raise questions about its commitment to its original ideals. This lawsuit is likely the culmination of these long-standing tensions, with significant implications for the future of open-source AI development.