Elon Musk Files Lawsuit Against OpenAI, Alleging Betrayal of Humanity-Centric Goals

Elon Musk filed a lawsuit on Thursday, alleging that Sam Altman and OpenAI have violated an agreement made during the founding of the artificial intelligence research company. Musk claims that the original intention of OpenAI to develop technology for the benefit of humanity over profits has been betrayed.

In the lawsuit filed in San Francisco Superior Court, Musk asserts that OpenAI’s recent collaboration with tech giant Microsoft has compromised the company’s commitment to public, open-source artificial general intelligence (AGI). Musk alleges that OpenAI, under its new board, has shifted its focus to refining AGI to maximize profits for Microsoft rather than for the benefit of humanity.

Musk’s claims include breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, and unfair business practices against OpenAI. He seeks to revert the company back to an open-source model and requests an injunction to prevent OpenAI, its president Gregory Brockman, CEO Sam Altman, and Microsoft from profiting off the company’s AGI technology.

Artificial general intelligence, which aims to replicate human cognitive abilities, has been the primary objective of OpenAI. Musk points to GPT-4, released in March 2023, as a demonstration of AGI. However, he argues that GPT-4 remains a closed model driven by commercial interests rather than the interest of humanity.

Musk also highlights the 2023 firing and subsequent reinstatement of Altman as CEO, which he claims prompted Microsoft’s intervention to remove board members who opposed Altman. According to Musk, the current board lacks technical expertise in AGI and is driven solely by profit motives.

Musk expresses concern about the potential next iteration of AGI technology compromising public safety. He alleges that Microsoft’s influence over Altman and the OpenAI board prevents them from declaring GPT-4 as AGI to maintain the technology’s exclusivity and profitability.

Neither OpenAI nor Musk provided immediate comment on the lawsuit. Musk is represented by the Los Angeles law firm Irell & Manella.