Elon Musk has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and President Greg Brockman in federal court, alleging fraud and breach of contract. According to a Deadline report, the court filing described the situation as being of Shakespearean proportions in terms of perfidy and deceit.The complaint claims that once OpenAIs technology approached the level of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), Altman and his team flipped the script. Initially, OpenAI was advertised as a charitable endeavour aimed at benefiting the public and protecting humanity. However, the complaint alleges that the organizations focus shifted to serve Altman and his partners self-enrichment. This shift is purportedly evidenced by OpenAIs partnership with Microsoft and the creation of a complex network of for-profit affiliates, recently valued at $100 billion.Musks investment and intentionsElon Musk, a co-founder of OpenAI, invested millions into the organisation when it was established in 2015. However, he found himself embroiled in a boardroom conflict, prompting his legal action to ensure OpenAI would return to its mission to develop AGI for the benefit of humanity.OpenAI, however, presented a different narrative in court, stating that Musk had initially supported a for-profit structure that would be under his control. According to OpenAI, Musk abandoned this idea when his conditions were not met.Legal proceedingsMusk initially withdrew from the lawsuit on June 11, reserving the right to refile, which he has now decided to pursue. He is represented by Marc Toberoff, a high-profile attorney known for his legal battles on behalf of creators against major studios like Warner Brothers and Disney. Toberoff has previously represented the creators of Superman, the estates of Marvel co-creators, and other notable figures in the entertainment industry.Broader implicationsThis lawsuit not only highlights the internal conflicts within OpenAI but also raises broader questions about the direction and ethical considerations of organisations developing advanced technologies like AGI. As the case progresses, it will be closely watched for its potential impact on the tech industry and the future governance of AI development.
