The board of OpenAI has firmly rejected Elon Musk's attempt to acquire the company. The $97.4 billion offer, submitted by Musk together with a group of investors, was declined. Chairman Bret Taylor emphasized in a statement that OpenAI would adhere to its original mission and continue to advance the development of artificial intelligence for the benefit of all humanity. Taylor also reaffirmed the intention to strengthen OpenAI's non-profit structure.
Musk had argued that he wanted to transform OpenAI into an "open-source, safety-oriented force." However, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman expressed doubts about Musk's motives and suspected that he primarily wanted to eliminate a potential competitor for his own AI company, xAI. The differing visions for the future of OpenAI played a central role in the board's decision.
The rejection of the takeover bid marks a significant turning point in OpenAI's history. The company, founded in 2015 as a non-profit organization, has become a leading player in the field of artificial intelligence. With the development of models like GPT, OpenAI has repeatedly redefined the boundaries of what is possible in AI research. The board's decision to remain independent underscores the focus on the long-term mission and the ethical implications of AI development.
The controversy surrounding the future of OpenAI highlights the tensions between commercial interests and the aspiration to develop AI responsibly. While some experts advocate for open-sourcing AI technologies to foster innovation and democratize control over the technology, others warn of the risks of uncontrolled progress and the potential negative consequences for society. The debate about the best way to develop and regulate AI will continue to occupy the industry in the coming years.
The future of OpenAI remains exciting despite the rejected takeover. The company faces the challenge of reconciling its ambitious goals in AI research with the growing demands of the market. The board's decision to remain independent offers the opportunity to consistently pursue its own path and shape the development of AI in line with its original mission.
Bibliographie: Reuters. "OpenAI Board Rejects Musk's $97.4 Billion Offer." February 14, 2025. Associated Press. "OpenAI Rejects Elon Musk Bid." February 14, 2025. The Wall Street Journal. "OpenAI Rejects Elon Musk Bid." February 14, 2025. CBS News. "OpenAI Rejects Elon Musk's $97.4 Billion." February 14, 2025. Axios. "OpenAI Rejects Musk Bid." February 14, 2025. CNN. "OpenAI Board Rejects Musk Purchase Offer." February 14, 2025. The Guardian. "OpenAI, Elon Musk." February 14, 2025. Fortune. "OpenAI Rejects Elon Musk's $97.4 Billion Bid." February 14, 2025. Tech in Asia. "OpenAI Board Rejects Elon Musk's $94.7B Takeover Bid." February 14, 2025. Los Angeles Times. "OpenAI's Board Rejects Bid From Elon Musk-Led Group." February 14, 2025.