OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has publicly denied Elon Musk’s allegations that the company’s investors are contractually prohibited from investing in rival AI companies. The dispute emerged after Musk filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, claiming the organization had betrayed its original nonprofit mission. Altman responded via X (formerly Twitter), stating that OpenAI’s investors have “no restrictions” on investing in other AI companies and emphasized that many already do. The controversy stems from Musk’s broader lawsuit, which alleges that OpenAI’s partnership with Microsoft has transformed the organization from its intended nonprofit status into a de facto subsidiary of Microsoft. Musk’s legal complaint specifically claimed that OpenAI’s investors were contractually barred from investing in competing AI ventures, which Altman directly contradicted. This exchange is part of a larger conflict between Musk and OpenAI, with Musk claiming the company has deviated from its founding principles of developing artificial intelligence for the benefit of humanity rather than for profit. The dispute highlights the ongoing tensions between commercial interests and the original ethical considerations in AI development, as well as the complex relationships between major players in the AI industry. Altman’s response suggests that OpenAI maintains a more open approach to competition and investment than Musk’s lawsuit implies.
Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/sam-altman-denies-musk-claim-openai-investors-ban-rivals-2025-2