The OpenAI CEO Shares Insights on Competition, Copyright Lawsuits, and the Future of AI
- Optimism Despite Rivalry: Sam Altman expressed confidence in Elon Musk’s integrity despite their legal disputes and Musk’s new role under Trump’s administration.
- AI Competition and Friendship Woes: Altman lamented his strained friendship with Musk, describing it as a consequence of business competition.
- Copyright Controversy: Altman defended OpenAI’s use of news articles for AI training while responding to a lawsuit by The New York Times.
Speaking at The New York Times DealBook Summit, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman addressed his complicated relationship with Elon Musk, their ongoing legal battles, and Musk’s new political role. Altman acknowledged Musk’s appointment to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under President-elect Donald Trump but maintained he was “not that worried” about Musk’s influence.
“I may turn out to be wrong, but I strongly believe that Musk will do the right thing,” Altman said, emphasizing that leveraging political power for personal gain would be “profoundly un-American.” This optimism comes despite the legal tensions between OpenAI and Musk, stemming from accusations that OpenAI deviated from its nonprofit mission.
The Rise of Rivalry and DOGE
Musk and Altman co-founded OpenAI in 2015 to ensure AI development benefited humanity. However, their relationship soured after Musk left the board in 2018, citing potential conflicts with Tesla. Musk later launched xAI, a direct competitor to OpenAI, and filed lawsuits accusing OpenAI and Microsoft of monopolistic practices.
Adding complexity to their rivalry, Musk recently joined entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy to lead Trump’s DOGE, an advisory body aiming to streamline government operations. While the appointment has raised eyebrows, Altman remains confident that Musk will prioritize ethical practices despite their frayed friendship.
Copyright Disputes and Ethical AI Development
At the summit, Altman also addressed a lawsuit filed by The New York Times, accusing OpenAI of infringing on copyrights by using news articles to train AI systems. Altman defended OpenAI’s practices, comparing AI’s learning from texts to human learning: “If an AI reads something—a physics textbook—it can learn physics, it can use that for other things like a human can.”
However, Ian Crosby, lead counsel for The New York Times, countered that copyright law exists to protect creators and ensure fair compensation. The lawsuit, set to begin depositions in January, underscores the growing tension between AI development and intellectual property rights.
Looking Ahead: AI’s Role in a Changing Landscape
Despite legal disputes and personal challenges, Altman remains focused on advancing OpenAI’s mission. While lamenting the loss of his friendship with Musk, he sees their rivalry as a natural part of business competition. “He’s a competitor, and we’re doing well,” Altman remarked.
As AI technology continues to evolve, the balance between innovation, ethical practices, and intellectual property will shape its future. For now, Altman’s optimism and resilience stand as a testament to his belief in the transformative power of AI—even amid controversy and competition.