quickutilities – Elon Musk attempted to involve Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg in his $97.4 billion bid to acquire OpenAI earlier this year. OpenAI disclosed this information in a court filing on Thursday. According to the filing, Musk communicated with Zuckerberg about potential financing arrangements or investments related to the bid. However, Zuckerberg and Meta Platforms ultimately declined to join Musk’s consortium.
Read More : China India Vow to Strengthen Ties, Avoid Rivalry
OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, stated that Musk revealed these communications during sworn interrogations. Musk’s own AI company, xAI, directly competes with OpenAI, adding complexity to their relationship. Neither Musk nor xAI responded to requests for comment outside normal business hours.
Seeking greater transparency, OpenAI requested a federal judge to compel Meta to provide documents and communications tied to any bid for OpenAI. They also requested files related to possible restructuring or recapitalization of the company. OpenAI argued that internal Meta discussions, especially those involving Musk or other bidders, would clarify the motivations behind the bids.
The court filing emphasized that Musk and Meta stand among OpenAI’s biggest competitors. Understanding their communications could shed light on the competitive dynamics driving the current legal conflict. OpenAI aims to uncover the full scope of interactions and intentions behind the aggressive bidding efforts.
This revelation deepens the ongoing tension between Musk and OpenAI, as both parties remain locked in a legal battle over control and strategic direction.
Meta Pushes Back Amid Legal Dispute and Document Requests
In response to OpenAI’s request, Meta urged the court to reject the motion. The company argued that OpenAI should seek any relevant information directly from Musk and his AI startup, xAI. Meta insisted that its own communications about OpenAI’s restructuring or recapitalization are irrelevant to the lawsuit.
This dispute is part of a larger legal conflict that started last year. Musk sued OpenAI and its CEO Sam Altman after the company shifted from a nonprofit to a for-profit model. OpenAI countersued Musk earlier this year, accusing him of damaging the company through public statements, legal claims, and what they call a “sham bid” for OpenAI’s assets.
In August, U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ruled that Musk must face these claims. The judge’s decision allowed OpenAI’s allegations to move forward in court, intensifying the legal showdown.
Read More : Nvidia Advances with Rubin Architecture and Six New Chips
OpenAI seeks to gain clearer insight into the financial and strategic maneuvers behind Musk’s bid, especially given the ongoing competition between the companies. This case highlights the high stakes and fierce rivalry in the fast-evolving AI industry.
As the litigation continues, both sides will likely reveal more details about their strategies and plans. The outcome could significantly affect the future landscape of AI development and corporate control in the sector.
