New York – Lawyers representing Tesla CEO Elon Musk have taken steps to dismiss his lawsuit against OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman, bringing an end to a lengthy legal dispute between the co-founders of the artificial intelligence startup. Musk, one of the co-founders of OpenAI in 2015, filed the lawsuit in February, alleging that the company had strayed from its original nonprofit mission by reserving some of its most advanced AI technology for private clients.
However, OpenAI swiftly refuted Musk’s allegations, labeling them as “incoherent” and “frivolous,” and arguing for the dismissal of the case. The company even released a blog post containing emails from Musk during OpenAI’s early days, which appeared to contradict his claims in the lawsuit. Musk’s lawyers did not provide a reason for their decision to drop the lawsuit, which was scheduled for a hearing the following day.
The move to dismiss the lawsuit came shortly after Musk criticized OpenAI’s handling of user data on his social media platform X following a partnership announcement with Apple. The legal battle between Musk and OpenAI highlighted differing views on how the ChatGPT maker, a leading figure in the evolving AI field, should be managed.
While Musk accused OpenAI of prioritizing profits in developing powerful AI technology, the company contended that Musk was envious after parting ways with the startup in 2018. OpenAI faced internal turmoil last year, resulting in Altman’s temporary removal from his position over concerns about the risks associated with artificial intelligence.
In more recent developments, several high-profile safety leaders at OpenAI resigned, citing concerns that the company prioritized speed over safety in launching new products. In response, OpenAI established a new committee dedicated to advising the board on safety and security issues. The ongoing drama surrounding Musk, Altman, and OpenAI underscores the complexities and challenges facing the AI industry as it navigates rapid advancements and ethical considerations.