Accusations of anti-competitive practices
The revised 107-page complaint points the finger at close relationships between OpenAI and Microsoft. Musk alleges that the collaboration between the two companies amounts to a de facto merger.
The latter allows a potentially illegal exchange of sensitive data. He emphasizes in particular that his own company xAI was at a disadvantage. For what ? Elon’s company does not benefit from the same conditions of access to IT resources as its competitor.
READ ALSO: OpenAI is preparing the launch of an autonomous AI agent called “Operator”
New protagonists in the conflict
Several new defendants are now included in the complaint:
- Microsoft ;
- Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn;
- Dee Templeton, former board member;
- California Attorney General Rob Bonta.
Among the new plaintiffs are Shivon Zilis. There’s talk of an executive from Neuralink, and xAI, Musk’s AI company.
A history of disagreements
Musk left OpenAI in 2018 following strategic differences and has since then criticized the company for having abandoned its original mission. That of developing artificial intelligence beneficial to humanity.
The complaint points out that OpenAI has become a “for-profit subsidiary of Microsoft“, in total contradiction with its initial principles.
Behind-the-scenes revelations at OpenAI
A surprising detail emerges: in January 2018, Sam Altman proposed to Musk to launch a cryptographic currency offering (ICO). An idea that Musk immediately rejected. This internal correspondence illustrates early tensions within the organization.
A complex legal context
Elon Musk’s complaint allows us to have a look at the potentially problematic interconnections between the boards of OpenAI and Microsoft. Reid Hoffman, serving in both companies, is particularly targeted for his alleged role in sharing strategic information…
ALSO READ: OpenAI wins first victory in copyright infringement lawsuit
The potential implications
This trial could have significant consequences on the artificial intelligence ecosystem. Musk’s accusations call into question collaboration practices between technology companies and raise questions about the regulation of AI giants.
For its part, OpenAI has already described the complaint as “loud and baseless“. The company behind ChatGPT promises to vigorously defend itself against these accusations. So we’ll see how this all evolves over time!
SOURCE : TechCrunch
