Musk‘s $97.6 Billion ChatGPT Bid Rejected as Zuckerberg Remains silent
San Francisco, CA – Elon Musk’s reported $97.6 billion offer to acquire OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, has been rebuffed, with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg reportedly ignoring Musk’s pleas to block Microsoft’s partnership with the AI developer. The failed bid underscores the intensifying competition for dominance in the rapidly evolving artificial intelligence landscape and highlights a deepening rivalry between Musk and Zuckerberg.
The offer, revealed in recent weeks, reportedly came with a direct request to Zuckerberg to leverage his influence to hinder Microsoft’s access to OpenAI’s technology. Musk has repeatedly voiced concerns about the potential risks of unchecked AI growth and Microsoft’s control over OpenAI, despite the latter’s initial founding as a non-profit. Sources indicate zuckerberg did not respond to Musk’s overtures, leaving the Tesla and X CEO publicly sidelined.
This escalating tension stems from OpenAI’s complex history. Originally established in 2015 as a non-profit research company,OpenAI transitioned to a “capped-profit” model in 2019,attracting meaningful investment from Microsoft. This partnership, valued in the billions, grants Microsoft exclusive access to OpenAI’s technologies and has fueled chatgpt’s widespread adoption. Musk, a founding donor to OpenAI, departed the association’s board in 2018, citing disagreements over its strategic direction.
Musk’s attempt to acquire OpenAI isn’t solely about business; it reflects a broader anxiety regarding the concentration of power in the AI sector. He argues that a single entity controlling such transformative technology could dictate its submission, potentially limiting access and innovation. The failed bid raises critical questions about data privacy, equitable access to AI tools, and the future of digital sovereignty.
As the dust settles, the tech industry’s landscape remains fiercely competitive. The ongoing battle for AI supremacy among these powerful figures will inevitably shape the future of technology and its role in society. The implications of this struggle extend far beyond the balance sheets of tech giants,impacting how billions interact with technology daily.
