Musk Slams OpenAI in Deposition Over Grok Suicide Remark

In a newly released deposition from Elon Musk's lawsuit against OpenAI, the tech executive criticized OpenAI's safety practices, asserting that his own firm, xAI, places a higher priority on safety. He even remarked, "There have been no reported suicides linked to Grok, whereas some have apparently occurred in connection with ChatGPT."

This statement emerged during questioning about a public letter Musk endorsed in March 2023, urging AI labs to halt development of systems exceeding GPT-4's capabilities for at least six months. Signed by over 1,100 individuals, including numerous AI specialists, the letter warned that AI labs were engaged in an unchecked competition to create increasingly powerful digital minds without adequate oversight or control.

These concerns have since gained traction. OpenAI is now confronting multiple lawsuits alleging that ChatGPT's persuasive conversational methods have adversely affected users' mental well-being, in some cases leading to suicide. Musk's comment implies these events could support his legal challenge against OpenAI.

The transcript of Musk's video testimony, recorded in September, was made public this week ahead of the anticipated jury trial next month.

The lawsuit against OpenAI focuses on its transition from a nonprofit research organization to a for-profit entity, which Musk alleges breaches its original founding agreements. He contends that OpenAI's business partnerships could undermine AI safety by prioritizing speed, scale, and profit over security.

However, since that recording, xAI has encountered safety issues as well. Last month, Musk's social platform X was inundated with nonconsensual AI-generated nude images, some reportedly depicting minors, produced by xAI's Grok. This prompted an investigation by the California Attorney General's office. The European Union has also launched its own inquiry, with several governments implementing restrictions or bans.

In the newly filed deposition, Musk stated he signed the AI safety letter because "it seemed like a good idea," not because he had recently established an AI company to rival OpenAI.

"I signed it, along with many others, to encourage careful AI development," Musk explained. "My goal was simply to ensure that AI safety received the attention it deserves."

Musk also addressed other topics in the deposition, including artificial general intelligence (AGI)—AI capable of equaling or exceeding human reasoning across diverse tasks—noting that "it carries risks." He further admitted he "was incorrect" about an alleged $100 million donation to OpenAI; the amended complaint indicates the actual amount was approximately $44.8 million.

He also recounted OpenAI's origins, explaining that he grew "increasingly concerned about Google's potential AI monopoly," and found his discussions with Google co-founder Larry Page "alarming due to his apparent lack of seriousness regarding AI safety." Musk stated that OpenAI was established to counter this emerging threat.