Musk vs OpenAI trial spotlights AGI control and safety fears

At the heart of the case is a dispute between Elon Musk and OpenAI’s leaders over how to safeguard humanity from artificial intelligence, with the trial focusing on OpenAI’s origins as a nonprofit and Musk’s bid for greater control. The proceedings have kept AI safety concerns in focus, though the judge has warned that the trial is not about evaluating AI risks in broad terms.

A witness, AI pioneer Stuart Russell, described the “winner take all” power struggle over AI’s future as a threat to humanity, noting the potential advantages of whoever develops AGI first. During testimony, Russell cited a range of dangers, including workforce disruption, misinformation and psychological effects on users of AI chatbots.

The article notes Musk could have founded OpenAI as a for‑profit company, and OpenAI’s Brockman argued the technology is “transformative” and about humanity as a whole, while Brockman also said Musk sought unilateral control. According to Associated Press, the trial also touches on Musk’s suggestion that AI could become smarter than humans as early as next year, amid scrutiny of Musk’s own xAI venture. 7 May 2026.