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OpenAI documents reveal tensions between Elon Musk and the company. The billionaire tried to take majority control and integrate the company with Tesla. Today, he faces legal battles with OpenAI and Microsoft as the AI industry continues to transform.
The dispute between Elon Musk and OpenAI gained new chapters with the revelation of emails that bring surprising details about the organization's behind-the-scenes.
Behind the appearance of a collective project with altruistic purposes, the messages reveal ambitious plans by Musk to take majority control of OpenAI, indicating a battle of interests that has marked the company's trajectory.
According to information released by OpenAI in response to a federal lawsuit filed by the billionaire, Musk attempted in 2017 to take over as CEO and control between 50% and 60% of the organization.
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OpenAI, which was founded as a non-profit organization, experienced moments of great internal tension, especially when Musk suggested that initial control of the company be centralized in his hands, albeit temporarily.
The beginning of tensions
The year 2017 was decisive in the history of OpenAI.
At that time, the company had already demonstrated notable progress in the area of artificial intelligence, such as the development of a system that defeated professional players in the game “Dota 2”.
This milestone caught Musk's attention, and he sent an email to his co-founders suggesting it was time to take "the next step."
However, what seemed like a strategic move to grow the company turned out to be an attempt by Musk to control operations.
He proposed structural changes that would grant him absolute power over OpenAI's board, as well as the ability to appoint more directors than anyone else in the organization.
Text messages exchanged between co-founder Greg Brockman and executive Shivon Zilis confirmed Musk's demands.
Despite promises that control would be temporary, the other council members did not give in to their demands.
Musk's separation and new accusations
After negotiations failed, Musk attempted in 2018 to incorporate OpenAI into Tesla, but the proposal was rejected.
The refusal led the businessman to resign from his position on the OpenAI board, marking the beginning of a distancing that would later culminate in legal disputes.
According to The Washington Post, Musk claims he was misled into transforming OpenAI into a profitable company, a move he sees as a betrayal of the project's original purpose.
In a new chapter in this dispute, Musk has expanded his lawsuit to include Microsoft as a defendant.
The billionaire accuses OpenAI's main investor of anti-competitive practices and violation of antitrust laws, in a clash that promises to drag on in the courts.
OpenAI's Transformation and Challenges
While Musk battles in court, OpenAI continues to consolidate its position in the market.
In October 2024, the company raised an impressive $6,6 billion in new investment, reaching a market valuation of $39,87 billion.
Despite financial success, structural changes and the departure of key executives, such as CTO Mira Murati, point to internal challenges.
The organization seeks to adapt to a more traditional business model, maintaining its relevance in a competitive scenario.
As reported by OpenAI, tensions between Musk and the board stemmed from demands that the company considered unreasonable.
In a post on its official blog, the organization said Musk should compete in the marketplace, not go to court.
The impact of disputes on artificial intelligence
The controversy surrounding Musk and OpenAI raises fundamental questions about the future of artificial intelligence.
The initial promise of developing technologies for the benefit of humanity has given way to corporate clashes that could shape the direction of the sector.
Now, with Microsoft also involved in the dispute, the developments in this case could redefine the relationship between large investors, technology companies and the search for innovation.
Faced with so many conflicts, the question remains: to what extent can Elon Musk's personal ambitions influence the future of artificial intelligence?
