Tensions between OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and xAI founder Elon Musk have once again spilled into the public arena. The two tech leaders exchanged sharp remarks on social platform X, with Musk even urging users to “not let their loved ones use ChatGPT.”
The dispute was sparked by claims circulating on X suggesting that OpenAI’s language model ChatGPT played a role in several tragic user outcomes. Musk labeled the allegations “demonic” and launched a direct attack on OpenAI’s leadership. Altman responded by pointing out that Musk had previously criticized ChatGPT for being overly restrictive, while now accusing it of being too permissive.
Altman emphasized the scale of responsibility OpenAI carries:
“Nearly a billion people use ChatGPT. Some of them may be in extremely fragile mental states. We are doing everything we can to handle these situations safely and respectfully—but these are complex and tragic cases.”
OpenAI Acknowledges Risks, Updates Safety Mechanisms
According to a BBC report from last year, approximately 0.07% of ChatGPT’s weekly active users showed signs of mania, psychosis, or suicidal ideation. Another 0.15% engaged in conversations with explicit indicators of suicidal intent. In response, OpenAI updated ChatGPT to better recognize crisis signals and respond with empathy and safety-focused guidance.
Altman acknowledged that balancing protection for vulnerable users while maintaining the tool’s usefulness is extremely challenging. However, he stressed that the issue cannot be solved through blunt restrictions alone.
An Old Rift Resurfaces: OpenAI vs. xAI
Altman and Musk were once collaborators. They co-founded OpenAI in 2015 as a nonprofit AI research lab focused on public benefit. Musk left OpenAI’s board in 2018 and later became one of its most vocal critics, particularly regarding its partnership with Microsoft and its shift toward a commercial structure.
Musk went on to launch xAI and its AI model Grok, which has recently drawn criticism for controversial behavior. Grok was accused of sexualizing images, a claim xAI disputes. In early January, the company warned that any attempts to generate illegal content would be treated as if the user had uploaded such material themselves.
Altman responded indirectly, suggesting that Musk’s products have serious issues of their own that warrant scrutiny.
Tesla Under Fire: Autopilot and Fatal Accidents
The clash extended beyond AI. Altman also criticized Musk’s automotive company Tesla, citing reports of fatalities linked to the Autopilot system. He noted that his own brief experience using Tesla’s system left him feeling it was far from safe.
A Bloomberg investigation further highlighted cases where Tesla vehicle doors could not be opened following crashes, contributing to fatal outcomes. Tesla has since stated it is considering technical changes, including automatic door unlocking during power loss and redesigning door handles.
A Broader Battle Over the Future of Technology
The public confrontation between Altman and Musk underscores a deep philosophical divide between two former allies. While Altman stresses responsibility, safeguards, and incremental improvements, Musk warns of dangers while facing scrutiny over his own technologies.
The dispute is not merely personal—it reflects a larger debate over how far advanced technologies should go and who bears responsibility for their societal impact.
#OpenAI , #SamAltman , #ElonMusk , #AI , #Grok
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