OpenAI Considers Special Voice Rights To Prevent Forced Takeover By Elon Musk

Elon Musk, still intends to acquire OpenAI (photo: x @Elonmuskrf1)

JAKARTA - OpenAI is considering granting special voting rights to its non-profit council to maintain the power of directors, along with efforts by the artificial intelligence company to fend off Elon Musk's takeover efforts. A report from the Financial Times on Tuesday 18 February revealed that this step is still in the evaluation stage.

According to sources with direct knowledge of internal company discussions, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, and board members are reviewing new governance measures in line with the company's transition to a more traditional for-profit structure.

Although there has been no official decision yet, this step has the potential to help OpenAI in preventing future forced takeover efforts, including from Musk, who previously co-founded the company with Altman before leaving him.

On Friday 14 February, OpenAI rejected an acquisition offer of US$97.4 billion (Rp1.5 quadrillion) from a consortium led by Musk. The company insists that they are not sold and rejects all future offers as indescribable.

Musk has long voiced concern for the direction of OpenAI, especially after the company was increasingly profit-oriented in its efforts to seek funding to continue to compete in the increasingly stringent artificial intelligence industry.

If implemented, this particular voting right will allow OpenAI's non-profit board to rule out major investor decisions, including tech giants like Microsoft and SoftBank, thus ensuring the council remains in control of the company's strategic decisions.