Elon Musk and Sam Altman has significantly shaped the trajectory of OpenAI, particularly regarding its for-profit ambitions. In 2018, Musk proposed taking control of OpenAI due to concerns that it was falling behind competitors like Google. This proposal was rejected by Altman and other founders, leading to Musk's departure from the organization . The rejection marked a crucial moment in OpenAI's history, highlighting a power struggle that has continued to influence its operational decisions.
OpenAI would remain under the control of its for-profit board, while becoming what is known in the US as a public benefit corporation.
Mr Altman had put forward a similar plan in December - but without clarifying the control of the non-profit.
The update follows widespread scrutiny of the startup, which began as a non-profit and faced criticism, including from co-founder Elon Musk, that its quest for growth is pushing it to stray from its original mission of creating technology for the benefit of humanity.
Taylor said OpenAI had commissioned outside financial advisors to consult on the recapitalization. He declined to share how much of a stake the nonprofit would have in the company, though it will be a majority.
Sam Altman said on the call that he was “very happy that the nonprofit and the PBC will have the same mission.” He said the board and stakeholders agreed with the decision.
OpenAI is currently engulfed in a heated legal battle with Elon Musk, who co-founded the group as a nonprofit research lab in 2015. Musk is trying to keep OpenAI from converting into a for-profit company as he competes in the generative AI market with his own startup, xAI.
The announcement comes amid intense criticism and legal battles, notably a lawsuit from co-founder Elon Musk accusing OpenAI of abandoning its original mission of developing AI for humanity's benefit.
As OpenAI navigated the complexities of funding and public perception, it increasingly deviated from its original mission as a benevolent non-profit focused on safe artificial general intelligence . This shift towards competitiveness and secrecy raises questions about whether Altman's leadership reflects an abandonment of the organization's initial ideals in favor of strategic alignment with Musk’s vision. Ultimately, this tension underscores a broader discourse on ethical considerations within rapidly evolving technological landscapes.
Read more
John Henry Felix, former city councilman and philanthropist, dies at 99 Met Gala celebrates Black style in a floral settingSarah H
Also on site :