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OpenAI Fires Back Against Musk, Claims He Wanted an OpenAI For-Profit
In a surprise counterattack, OpenAI has fired back at Elon Musk, claiming that the billionaire entrepreneur initially sought to turn the AI research organization into a for-profit entity.
The company published a series of emails on Friday, which it claims show that Musk proposed creating a for-profit OpenAI in 2017. The move would have essentially transformed the non-profit’s mission from providing free access to AI research and models to prioritizing profit margins.
OpenAI argues that Musk’s current lawsuit against them is an attempt to relive his failed endeavor to turn OpenAI into a for-profit organization, claiming it’s a case of sour grapes. According to OpenAI, Musk walked away when he didn’t secure majority equity in the organization.
The company also took aim at Musk’s accusations of “irreparable harm” if the court doesn’t grant an injunction against OpenAI’s transition to a for-profit entity. Instead, OpenAI emphasized that its decision is part and parcel of normal business operations, citing precedents from other successful AI startups.
OpenAI has been in the crosshairs of Musk’s criticism over its shift from non-profit to for-profit, with some arguing that this change of heart undermines the organization’s mission to make AI research available to all. However, OpenAI maintains that it’s simply adapting to the changing landscape and ensuring sustainability as an organization.
Musk’s response has not been made publicly available at the time of writing.
Source: techcrunch.com
