Elon Musk Testifies That He Started OpenAI to Prevent a ‘Terminator Outcome’
WIRED • • business
Key Points:
- Elon Musk and Sam Altman appeared together in federal court as Musk sues Altman over OpenAI’s evolution, with potential impacts on the company’s governance and IPO plans.
- Musk argued that siding with Altman would undermine charitable giving foundations, framing the case as a broader issue beyond OpenAI itself.
- Musk’s attorney highlighted Musk’s early concerns about AI safety, his role in founding OpenAI as a nonprofit, and objections to OpenAI’s shift toward a for-profit model after Microsoft’s $10 billion investment.
- OpenAI’s legal team countered that Musk was aware of the company’s for-profit plans years ago, failed to fulfill his investment promises, and delayed filing suit until after founding a competitor, xAI.
- The judge urged both parties to refrain from inflammatory social media posts during the trial, which continues with Musk’s cross-examination scheduled for Wednesday.
