'Show us Proof': ChatGPT-maker's lawyers ask court to order Mark Zuckerberg to share chats with Elon Musk on his $97 billion bid to buy OpenAI

The legal fight between OpenAI and co-founder Elon Musk has taken a surprising turn, with OpenAI issuing a subpoena to tech rival Meta for documents related to Musk's attempt to acquire the ChatGPT-maker. The request, revealed in a recent court filing, seeks to uncover any discussions or plans between Musk and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg concerning a potential investment or acquisition. The court filing is part of Musk's ongoing lawsuit against OpenAI, in which he argues that the company's shift from a non-profit to a "capped-profit" model violates its founding mission. OpenAI's lawyers issued the subpoena in June, suggesting that Musk may have spoken directly with Zuckerberg about financing or investment arrangements for a proposed $97 billion takeover bid in February. OpenAI rejected the offer, calling it "ridiculous" and a "sham bid" in court filings.

What Meta said responding to OpenAI lawyers' request

Meta has objected to the subpoena, arguing that its internal discussions are not relevant to the lawsuit and that Musk and his company, xAI, are the proper sources for any relevant information. This legal clash highlights the intense competition in the artificial intelligence race, with both Meta and xAI aggressively vying to catch up to OpenAI. Meta has been making significant investments in its AI ambitions, including a reported $14 billion commitment to Scale AI and the recruitment of top talent from OpenAI.

The possibility of a collaboration between Musk and Zuckerberg, two long-standing rivals, underscores the gravity of the AI competition. Their public spats have been well-documented, including a proposed physical fight that never took place. Now, their shared interest in challenging OpenAI's dominance may have led them to consider a truce.

The court's decision on the subpoena could have far-reaching implications. If compelled to comply, Meta's records could shed light on the motivations behind Musk's takeover attempt and the competitive landscape of the AI industry. The outcome may also prove to be a key factor in Musk's lawsuit, which challenges the very foundation of OpenAI's business model. As the legal battle unfolds, it is a stark reminder that the future of artificial intelligence is being shaped not only by technological innovation but also by courtroom disputes and boardroom maneuvering.


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