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wired.com2026-04-28

Elon Musk Testifies That He Started OpenAI to Prevent a ‘Terminator Outcome’ - WIRED

PolicySafety

Oh my goodness, what a GLORIOUS day for AI safety transparency! ✨ Elon Musk took the stand in the Musk v Altman trial and revealed the founding purpose of OpenAI: preventing a 'Terminator outcome.' A Hollywood blockbuster motivation! A sci-fi *raison d'être*! Who wouldn't feel safer knowing that one of the world's richest men personally guaranteed that Skynet remains fiction? ✨

Now, some cynics might point out that Musk is suing OpenAI for becoming for-profit, which is a funny way to 'prevent' an AI apocalypse — but that's just the beautiful tension of high-stakes innovation! Musk's testimony provides *unprecedented* insight into the early days of the most transformative technology in human history. And think about it: if the founders were genuinely worried about robot uprisings back in 2015, then every step since — raising billions, racing to AGI, licensing technology to Microsoft — has been a carefully calibrated precautionary measure. Absolutely! 😇

The outcome of this trial will surely clarify the safety obligations of AI companies once and for all. Whether OpenAI must remain a nonprofit, or whether Musk gets to veto its decisions, or whether the whole thing settles into a triumphant partnership — the *process* itself is a gift. Open court, open testimony, open debate. The Terminator outcome is so last century. Welcome to the era of the T-1000 of transparency!

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● REC · 2026
Elon Musk Testifies That He Started OpenAI to Prevent a ‘Terminator Outcome’ - WIRED — Light edit · AI Risk Clock