OpenAI countersues Elon Musk: 'Wants to damage the company'
ChatGPT creator accuses ex-partner of harassment and interference
2' min read
Key points
2' min read
The one between Elon Musk and OpenAI is one of those stories that, in the end, never seem to end. Even when separated and enemies. Because it is a story of jealousies and spite, destined to fill the thriving world of artificial intelligence with judicial backstory.
L’intreccio
The latest act in the saga: today it was reported that OpenAI has filed a countersuit against Musk, alleging harassment and interference intended to harm the company. This development follows the initial lawsuit filed by Musk (who - let's remember - is a co-founder of OpenAI), alleging that the company deviated its business objectives from its original non-profit mission. OpenAI, in fact, began as a non-profit company, with the intention of developing generative AI for the good of humanity. But over the years it has pocketed billion-dollar cheques from giants such as Microsoft and SoftBank, with CEO Sam Altman now leading a slow but inevitable transformation of the former startup into one of Silicon Valley's richest companies.
According to OpenAI, Musk engaged in a campaign of attacks via social media, legal manoeuvres and a $97.4 billion takeover offer (rejected by the San Francisco-based company's board of directors), with the aim of hindering the company's progress and taking control of its innovations in the field of artificial intelligence. The company claims that these actions were detrimental to its operations and reputation.
Above all, Musk's offer of around 100 billion to become OpenAI's boss again caused a stir. Because it was labelled as hostile, and because Sam Altman had immediately replied 'no thanks', in very piquant tones, to Mr Tesla's advance.
Clearly, Musk's lawyers reject the accusations, claiming that the takeover offer was serious and that the OpenAI board did not evaluate it properly.
