Godfather of AI Throws Support Behind Elon Musk's Lawsuit Against OpenAI
Dec 31, 2024 - gizmodo.com
A diverse coalition, including the youth-led advocacy group Encode and AI pioneer Geoffrey Hinton, is opposing OpenAI's plan to transition into a fully for-profit company. Encode filed an amicus brief supporting Elon Musk's lawsuit to prevent this restructuring, arguing that it would undermine OpenAI's original safety-focused commitments as a nonprofit. Hinton, who has expressed concerns about AI's potential risks, criticized the move, emphasizing the negative message it sends to the AI ecosystem. OpenAI, currently a for-profit controlled by a nonprofit board, announced its intention to restructure as a traditional for-profit corporation, a change anticipated for some time. Musk, a cofounder of OpenAI, filed a lawsuit in November seeking to halt the transition.
Encode contends that OpenAI's shift to a Delaware public benefit corporation could compromise its commitment to assist rather than compete with other organizations nearing artificial general intelligence. Encode's president, Sneha Revanur, urged court intervention to ensure AI development aligns with public interest. OpenAI, however, has requested the court dismiss Musk's lawsuit, claiming he lacks standing and is attempting to secure an unfair advantage for his AI startup, xAI. OpenAI also released communications from Musk, suggesting he supported the idea of a for-profit structure as early as 2017.
Key takeaways:
A coalition, including Encode and Geoffrey Hinton, is opposing OpenAI's plan to become a fully for-profit company.
Encode filed an amicus brief supporting Elon Musk's lawsuit to stop OpenAI's restructuring, citing concerns over safety commitments.
OpenAI argues Musk lacks standing and is using the lawsuit to gain a competitive advantage for his own AI startup, xAI.
OpenAI released communications suggesting Musk supported converting to a for-profit model as early as 2017.
