Sam Altman, the chief executive of OpenAI, testified that Elon Musk considered handing over control of the artificial intelligence company to his children during their early partnership. The statement was part of ongoing legal proceedings and was reported by multiple outlets.

Altman’s Testimony and Musk’s Control

Altman stated that Musk’s desire for control over the initial for-profit structure gave him concerns. OpenAI was originally founded as a nonprofit with a mission to ensure that advanced AI did not fall under the exclusive control of any single individual.

According to Altman, his experience running the prominent startup accelerator Y Combinator informed his perspective. He noted that founders who maintained control often refused to relinquish it, which raised a red flag regarding Musk’s intentions.

The Dispute Over OpenAI’s Structure

The testimony sheds light on a fundamental disagreement between the two co-founders. Musk had pushed for a for-profit arm within OpenAI, but Altman and other executives worried that this would concentrate power over a transformative technology.

Altman’s remarks suggest that the conflict was not merely about business models but about the governance of a technology that could reshape industries and societies. The legal case continues to explore the extent of Musk’s influence and his claims against OpenAI.

Implications for AI governance

The case highlights broader questions about how AI companies balance profit, control, and public benefit. OpenAI has since transitioned to a capped-profit model, but the internal tensions from its founding remain relevant.

Legal experts following the case note that outcomes could affect how future AI ventures are structured, particularly regarding founder control and nonprofit missions.

Altman provided his testimony under oath, and the court is expected to review further evidence before a final ruling. The proceedings have drawn significant attention from the technology sector and policy makers.

Source: GeekWire