In a scathing interview with Bloomberg, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman unleashed a barrage of criticism against Elon Musk, labeling the Tesla and xAI boss as “insecure” and accusing him of hindering OpenAI’s progress in artificial intelligence.The verbal sparring between Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, Musk, the Tesla and xAI, and the CEOs of the two companies, on the other hand, is what the two powerhouses are doing. The ongoing war between Altman and Musk is in the wake of Musk’s indicated $97 billion offer to buy OpenAI, which Altman flatly rejected. Through Altman, it is made clear that the Alyssia-thing name isn’t up for negotiation and isn’t for sale either. OpenAI is in the business of figuring it out. We are not for sale, and we do not negotiate.Altman’s statements insinuate that Musk’s inclinations are inclined to stop OpenAI’s march in AI, rather than through a fair game in the market. “I think he is probably just trying to slow us down,” Altman said. “He obviously is a competitor. He has raised a lot of money for xAI, and they are trying to compete with us from a technological perspective… I wish he would just compete by building a better product.”The OpenAI CEO had also taken a personal jibe at Musk, inferring that his behavior was a result of insecurity. “Probably his whole life is from a position of insecurity,” Altman said. “I feel for the guy. I don’t think he is like a happy person.”Altman and Musk have been at odds for quite some time now, more so since Musk parted ways with OpenAI in 2018. Musk has been quite forward in his opinions about OpenAI’s estranged path under Altman’s management, and in their place, the two have flung some harsh remarks back and forth publicly.“I find the Musk-Altman feud to be quite fascinating. It is quite true when Musk talks about the potential hazards of AI services, though I do think Altman’s strategy is more successful. OpenAI’s culture of transparency and cooperation has been very beneficial, and they have made great strides in AI that is beneficial and secure. This is in line with my own perspective. I think that the AI community worldwide should concentrate on coming up with strong rules and regulations to minimize reckless developments rather than clamping down on the development itself. Altman’s policy seems to be the most fitting and achievable way to get there. I’m among the people who are not only studying AI research but, at the same time, also trying to contribute to the field. I feel like the Altman-Musk dispute shows how complicated the AI sector is and I’m happy to be part of the solution. I am a strong believer that if we strike a balance between innovation and responsibility we can come up with AI that will be of great advantage to humanity.” – Rajat, an AI researcher and a student, expressed his views about the clash between Altman and Elon Musk with true-to-life.Musk’s most recent offer to buy OpenAI was perceived to be a move aiming to drag back the firm to the initial state when it was just a non-profit lab. Nevertheless, Altman did not waste time and trivialized Musk’s request and even acted on social media to make fun of it.The conflict between Altman and Musk is a major AI development influence. Being the two most prominent individuals in the tech industry, their different interpretations of AI can possibly alter the direction of the field’s developments.By now, clearly, the combat is over- Altman and OpenAI are ready to force AI research limits, at the same time, Musk and xAI are focused on a fight against their monopoly. The tech-o-meter is running on fumes, but one thing that is indisputable is that AI’s world after the combat will be shaped according to the results of this contest of wits and wills.
By Anusmita Bhatta
Reporting for True To Life News Media Pvt. Ltd.