American billionaire Elon Musk, who was appointed by President-elect Donald Trump to head a new department to improve government efficiency, has expanded his lawsuit against OpenAI and its main investor, Microsoft. In the lawsuit, Musk accuses the companies of anti-competitive actions aimed at monopolising the market for generative artificial intelligence (AI), Reuters reports.
New charges
The lawsuit, filed in a federal court in Oakland, California, alleges that Microsoft and OpenAI used anti-competitive practices to restrict competitors’ access to key AI technologies and investments. Musk also accuses OpenAI of having violated its obligations by transforming itself into a commercial entity valued at $157 billion.
Musk is demanding the cancellation of the licence agreement between OpenAI and Microsoft, which he says gives companies an unfair advantage in the market. He also calls on both organisations to disclose their ill-gotten gains.
“OpenAI has put profits ahead of the public interest, violating its original principles,” Musk says.
OpenAI’s counter-arguments
In its response, OpenAI called the accusations “baseless and excessive“, insisting that its activities comply with the law. Microsoft has so far refrained from officially commenting on the expanded lawsuit.
Musk, who previously co-founded OpenAI but left the project in 2018, has been constantly criticising the organisation for its commercialisation and close cooperation with Microsoft. These circumstances, according to Musk, pose serious risks to the development of a competitive environment in the AI industry.
Political context
The appointment of Musk as head of a new department in the Trump administration adds to the political resonance of the case. Critics accuse Musk of using his new position to increase his influence on the market and promote his own interests.
In response to the lawsuit, OpenAI accused Musk of trying to undermine its operations and increase competitive pressure in the AI market by using judicial mechanisms.
What’s next?
The legal battle between Musk, OpenAI, and Microsoft could become a precedent in the regulation of the artificial intelligence industry. If the court upholds Musk’s claim, it could force corporations to review their partnership agreements and change their approach to competition in the industry.
