Elon Musk has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and two of its founders, alleging that the organization has strayed from its original mission of serving the public good in favor of profit-seeking endeavors. The lawsuit, lodged in a Northern California federal court, characterizes Musk's case as a clash between altruism and greed.
Musk, an early investor in OpenAI and former co-chair of its board, claims to have invested significant funds and recruited top AI research talent for the organization. He stepped down from his board position in 2018 to avoid potential conflicts of interest as he focused on developing self-driving technology for Tesla.
Earlier this year, Musk withdrew a previous lawsuit against OpenAI, which had asserted that the organization had reneged on an agreement to operate as a nonprofit entity dedicated to advancing technology for the public good. OpenAI responded by releasing emails from Musk indicating his prior support for the idea of turning the organization into a for-profit venture.
In the latest legal action, Musk accuses OpenAI's leadership of deceiving him and deviating from the core mission of the organization. The complaint paints a picture of betrayal and deception on a grand scale, likening the situation to a Shakespearean tragedy.