OpenAI’s chief executive and co-founder, Sam Altman, has made it clear that his company is “not for sale” following an unsolicited $97.4 billion bid led by Elon Musk. Speaking to Sky News during the Paris AI Summit, Altman emphasized that OpenAI’s mission is paramount, and the company remains fully committed to preserving it. When asked if he could still afford to maintain control of OpenAI, Altman deferred to the board, stating that they would ultimately decide the next steps. However, he was firm in his stance, saying, “The company is not for sale, neither is the mission.” This declaration underscores Altman’s commitment to OpenAI’s core principles, even in the face of a massive bid from Musk, who was also a co-founder of the company.
Altman’s comments come as OpenAI is planning a significant shift in its business model, transitioning from a non-profit to a for-profit entity. This move has been met with strong opposition from Musk, who believes that OpenAI should return to its roots as an open-source, safety-focused organization. “It’s time for OpenAI to return to the open-source, safety-focused force for good it once was,” Musk said in a statement. “We will make sure that happens.” Musk’s stance highlights a growing divide between the original vision of OpenAI as a non-profit research entity and its current trajectory under Altman’s leadership. Despite this, Altman remains focused on ensuring that OpenAI continues to prioritize safety and ethics in its operations.
In addition to addressing the bid from Musk, Altman also expressed his desire to collaborate with China, though he acknowledged that such a partnership might face challenges due to U.S. government restrictions. “Should we try as hard as we absolutely can [to work with them]? Yes,” he said. This openness to international collaboration underscores Altman’s belief in the global potential of AI and the importance of fostering partnerships to advance the technology responsibly. However, the complexities of geopolitical relations and concerns over data security may present significant hurdles for such efforts.
The AI industry has recently been shaken by the emergence of DeepSeek, a Chinese company that unveiled a powerful AI model significantly cheaper than OpenAI’s ChatGPT. This development has sent shockwaves through the industry, as companies like OpenAI face increasing competition from international rivals. Despite DeepSeek’s impressive advancements, U.S. officials have raised concerns about the security of its technology, with some government devices already banning its use. This tension between innovation and security is a recurring theme in the AI sector, as companies strive to balance affordability and accessibility with safety and ethical considerations.
Altman was also asked to reassure users that OpenAI would continue to prioritize safety as one of the fastest-growing generative AI platforms. He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to safety, stating, “Safety is integral to what we do…. We’ve got to make these systems really safe for people, or people just won’t use them.” While concerns about regulatory “red tape” stifling innovation have been raised by some in the industry, Altman believes that OpenAI can navigate these challenges while maintaining its focus on safety. He acknowledged that the summit’s agenda did not heavily emphasize safety, with cost and accessibility being more prominent topics, but he emphasized that OpenAI is capable of addressing all these elements simultaneously.
As the Paris AI Summit continues, the broader regulatory landscape for AI remains a hot topic. U.S. Vice President JD Vance has criticized Europe’s approach to AI regulation and content moderation on Big Tech platforms, signaling a potential divide in global AI governance. These discussions highlight the complex interplay between innovation, safety, and regulation that will shape the future of AI. With OpenAI at the forefront of this rapidly evolving field, Altman’s leadership and the company’s commitment to its mission will be crucial in navigating the challenges and opportunities ahead. As this breaking news story continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the future of AI is both promising and precarious, requiring careful balancing of competing interests and priorities.
