OpenAI CEO Sam Altman criticized Elon Musk for allegedly using political influence to harm competitors like OpenAI, calling it ‘profoundly un-American,’ amid escalating tensions and a lawsuit between their rival AI ventures. (Source: Image by RR)

OpenAI’s CEO Speaks Out Against Potential AI Policy Manipulation by Elon Musk

During the New York Times’ DealBook Summit, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman criticized Elon Musk, CEO of X and Tesla, for allegedly using political influence to disadvantage competitors and favor his own ventures. According to a story in techcrunch.com, Altman described such behavior as “profoundly un-American” and expressed confidence that the public would not tolerate such actions, according to Bloomberg.

Musk is reportedly playing a significant role in shaping AI policy, heading the DOGE advisory commission aimed at recommending federal budget cuts and potentially influencing AI policy under an anticipated Trump administration. Musk, who owns OpenAI rival xAI, has also filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, accusing the company of straying from its original mission and engaging in anticompetitive practices that harm competitors like xAI.

Altman expressed disappointment over the lawsuit and Musk’s recent actions, referring to xAI as a “serious competitor” but lamenting the growing conflict. “I thought what Elon was doing was absolutely incredible for the world, and I have different feelings about him now,” Altman stated, underscoring his mixed emotions about Musk’s influence and ongoing rivalry.

The remarks highlight the escalating tension between two of the most prominent figures in the tech industry as they navigate competing visions for artificial intelligence and its governance. Altman’s stance against the misuse of political influence underscores his commitment to a level playing field, where innovation and competition are driven by technological advancements rather than external pressures or manipulation. Meanwhile, Musk’s strategic initiatives, including his involvement in shaping federal AI policy through the DOGE advisory commission and his lawsuit against OpenAI, signal his broader ambition to redefine AI’s role in the global landscape. This growing divide between Altman and Musk not only shapes their companies’ trajectories but also impacts the broader AI ecosystem, setting a precedent for how power dynamics and policy debates will influence the future of artificial intelligence.

read more at techcrunch.com