OpenAI, once hailed as a champion for open-source, ethical AI development, finds itself at the centre of a storm. Elon Musk, a co-founder, has filed a lawsuit against the organization and its CEO, Sam Altman, alleging a breach of contract, promissory estoppel, and fiduciary duty.
The lawsuit claims that OpenAI, under the influence of Microsoft, a major investor, has strayed from its original mission of creating open-source AI for the benefit of humanity. This is evidenced, according to Musk, by the development of the closed-source GPT-4 language model and the prioritisation of profit over the common good.
Musk, seeking an injunction to prevent OpenAI and Microsoft from profiting off the technology, argues that OpenAI’s non-profit status has been compromised by a leadership focused on profit and lacking expertise crucial for responsible AI development.
A Tangled Web for OpenAI
It’s worth noting that OpenAI’s relationship with Microsoft is complex. The tech giant holds a 49% stake in the organization and has invested significantly, at around USD13 billion. In exchange, Microsoft has access to OpenAI’s technology and, initially, a significant share of its profits.
Adding another layer of complexity, late 2023 saw OpenAI engulfed in internal turmoil. The previous board, expressing concerns about Altman’s leadership and the direction OpenAI was taking, fired him. However, a subsequent employee revolt and support from Microsoft led to Altman’s reinstatement, along with an entirely new board.
Uncertainties and OpenAI’s Future
The lawsuit raises several crucial questions about the future of AI development:
- Can profit-driven ventures and altruistic goals co-exist in the AI landscape?
- How can we ensure responsible development and prevent potential misuse of powerful AI technology?
- What role will organisations like OpenAI play in shaping the future of AI?
The ongoing SEC investigation into the claims against Altman further adds to the uncertainty surrounding OpenAI. As the legal battle unfolds, the world watches, waiting to see what the future holds for this once-promising champion of “good AI for all.”
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Source: Wccftech
