Perplexity on OpenAI vs. Elon Musk

Elon Musk's discontent with OpenAI and its relationship with Microsoft stems from several key issues:

Departure from Original Mission

Musk argues that OpenAI has strayed from its founding principles and original mission14. He claims that:

  • OpenAI was initially created as an open-source, non-profit organization to serve as a counterweight to Google's AI efforts3.
  • The company was meant to develop artificial general intelligence (AGI) for the benefit of humanity, not for profit14.

Shift to For-Profit Model

Musk takes issue with OpenAI's transition towards a profit-driven approach:

  • He alleges that OpenAI is now focused on "maximising profits" for Microsoft rather than benefiting humanity1.
  • The company's pivot to a "capped profit" structure allowing for investment is seen as a departure from its non-profit roots1.

Microsoft's Influence

Musk is particularly concerned about Microsoft's growing control over OpenAI:

  • He claims that OpenAI's technology, including GPT-4, is now closed-source primarily to serve Microsoft's commercial interests1.
  • Musk argues that Microsoft should not have been allowed to license the latest version of OpenAI's software, as it may be too close to achieving artificial general intelligence2.

Lack of Transparency

Musk criticizes OpenAI's decreased openness:

  • He alleges that details about the design of GPT-4 were kept secret, primarily due to commercial considerations rather than safety concerns1.
  • OpenAI has become less transparent about its AI models as they have advanced4.

Legal Action

Musk's frustration has culminated in legal action:

  • He has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, Sam Altman, and other parties, seeking to compel the company to adhere to its founding agreement1.
  • The lawsuit aims to return OpenAI to its original mission of developing AGI for the benefit of humanity rather than for personal or corporate gain1.

In essence, Musk believes that OpenAI's partnership with Microsoft and its shift towards a more profit-oriented model contradict the company's initial purpose and potentially compromise its ability to develop AI that benefits humanity as a whole.