Musk Recounts Page Fallout in OpenAI Trial Testimony
Elon Musk gave testimony Tuesday in his lawsuit against OpenAI. One key point involved more than the charity he says was taken from him. That claim came as expected. Instead, attention fell on his former friendship with Larry Page of Google.
Dispute Over AI Safety Sparks OpenAI Founding
Musk explained a main reason he co-founded OpenAI. It stemmed from a disagreement with Page about AI safety. Musk brought up the idea of AI destroying humanity. Page dismissed it as "fine," provided AI continued. Page labeled Musk a "speciest" for supporting humans. Musk viewed that stance as "insane."
This exchange played a big role in Musk's decision. OpenAI launched in 2015 as a nonprofit focused on safe AI development. Musk, along with others, aimed to counter risks from companies like Google. Musk served as a co-founder and early backer. He left the organization in 2018 amid differences over its direction.
Close Ties Between Musk and Page
Musk and Page shared a strong bond in the past. Fortune magazine listed them in 2016 among business leaders who were secret best friends. Musk felt at ease staying overnight at Page's home in Palo Alto often. Page once shared with Charlie Rose that he preferred giving his money to Musk over charity.
Larry Page co-founded Google in 1998 with Sergey Brin. He led as CEO until 2015, then became CEO of Alphabet until 2019. Page focused on moonshot projects, including AI through Google DeepMind. His interest in technology extended to longevity and other fields. He stepped back from daily operations but remains influential.
Elon Musk heads Tesla, SpaceX, and Neuralink. He started xAI in 2023 to pursue safe AI. His public concerns about AI risks date back years. Musk often warns of existential threats if development lacks safeguards.
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Betrayal Leads to Friendship's End
The relationship soured around OpenAI's start. Musk brought on Ilya Sutskever from Google's AI team to help launch the company in 2015. Sutskever led key advances in AI models. Page saw this as a personal betrayal. He ended all contact with Musk afterward.
Ilya Sutskever became OpenAI's chief scientist. He contributed to breakthroughs like GPT models. Sutskever left OpenAI in 2024 after internal tensions. He now runs Safe Superintelligence Inc.
Account Shared Under Oath for First Time
Musk has shared this story publicly before. He told author Walter Isaacson for the 2023 biography of Musk, a bestseller. Tuesday marked the first time under oath. Page has made no comment. Musk spoke as part of his legal case against OpenAI. The suit claims OpenAI strayed from its original nonprofit mission.
As late as 2023, Musk expressed interest in reconciling. He told podcaster Lex Fridman, "We were friends for a very long time." Fridman hosts discussions on AI and tech with experts.
The trial continues in San Francisco. It examines OpenAI's shift to a for-profit model backed by Microsoft. Musk seeks to enforce the founding agreement.