OpenAI Reveals Elon Musk's 2017 Proposal for For-Profit Structure Amid Legal Battle

Dec 14, 2024, 12:58 AM

OpenAI has responded to Elon Musk's lawsuit by releasing internal communications that reveal Musk initially supported the idea of transforming OpenAI into a for-profit entity. In 2017, Musk proposed creating a public-benefit corporation, 'Open Artificial Intelligence Technologies, Inc.,' which would operate with a profit motive while maintaining a commitment to social objectives. This contradicts Musk's current legal claims where he seeks to prevent OpenAI from fully transitioning to a for-profit structure, arguing it betrays the organization's original mission. The legal battle highlights Musk's shifting perspectives from an advocate of a for-profit model to his current stance against it, especially after founding his competing AI venture, xAI, in July 2023. OpenAI suggests that Musk's legal actions are strategically timed to coincide with the launch of xAI, and they have accused him of trying to hamstring their business as he builds a rival company.