OpenAI is exploring the introduction of special voting rights for its non-profit board as it faces an unsolicited takeover bid from Elon Musk and his consortium. According to a report by the Financial Times on Tuesday, the ChatGPT developer is evaluating governance measures to prevent hostile acquisitions while transitioning to a traditional for-profit structure.
The development comes just days after OpenAI reportedly rejected a staggering $97.4 billion acquisition offer from a group led by Musk. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO, who was once an early backer of OpenAI, has become one of its most vocal critics, particularly over concerns regarding the company’s approach to artificial intelligence safety and governance.
As OpenAI moves towards a more conventional corporate model, CEO Sam Altman and board members are considering mechanisms that would allow them to maintain control over strategic decisions. Special voting rights for board members could be one such measure, ensuring that governance remains in line with the company’s original mission of developing artificial general intelligence (AGI) that benefits humanity.
The move highlights growing concerns among AI firms regarding corporate control and ethical stewardship. Given the transformative nature of AI, OpenAI’s leadership is keen on ensuring that financial incentives do not overshadow safety and long-term public interest.
Elon Musk has been an outspoken critic of OpenAI’s trajectory, especially since its transition from a non-profit research organization to a capped-profit entity. Musk has previously sued OpenAI, alleging that the company has deviated from its founding principles by prioritizing commercial success over open-source AI development.
The latest acquisition attempt, if successful, would have given Musk significant influence over OpenAI’s operations, something the current leadership is wary of. Reports suggest that OpenAI’s executives see Musk’s bid as an existential threat to the company’s vision and independence.
The potential implementation of special voting rights at OpenAI signals a growing trend among AI firms seeking to balance innovation with ethical oversight. With AI becoming an integral part of global technology infrastructure, companies are increasingly looking for governance structures that can shield them from aggressive corporate maneuvers while maintaining accountability to stakeholders.
As discussions continue, the tech industry will be closely watching OpenAI’s next steps, as they could set a precedent for how AI companies navigate the intersection of profitability, control, and public good.
