OpenAI has escalated its conflict with rivals by formally asking state attorneys general to investigate alleged coordinated attacks by Elon Musk and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. In a letter reviewed by multiple news outlets, OpenAI's chief of global affairs Chris Lehane claimed that Musk and Zuckerberg are pursuing "conduct and approaches that we do think are really highly questionable and sharply worthy of investigation" . The letter specifically accuses the two executives of "improper and anti-competitive behavior" that could inhibit OpenAI's ability to develop artificial general intelligence, or AGI, a theoretical AI system with human-level reasoning across all domains .

What Evidence Does OpenAI Present Against Musk and Meta?

OpenAI's letter references a recent New Yorker investigation that detailed extensive opposition research allegedly conducted by intermediaries connected to Musk. According to the New Yorker report cited in OpenAI's filing, these intermediaries have circulated detailed information about OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, including documentation of shell companies, personal contact information of close associates, and surveillance of his travel and social activities . The letter characterizes these efforts as part of a broader pattern designed to undermine OpenAI's leadership and mission.

Additionally, reporting from Engadget revealed that Zuckerberg texted Musk last year offering to help with his efforts to cut federal spending through DOGE, Musk's proposed Department of Government Efficiency. When Musk responded positively with a heart emoji, he then asked Zuckerberg if he was "open to the idea of bidding on the OpenAI IP with me and some others." Zuckerberg suggested moving the conversation to a phone call, suggesting serious interest in acquiring OpenAI's intellectual property .

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How Does This Fit Into the Broader Legal Battle?

This letter represents a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between OpenAI and Musk, who is currently suing the company for $134 billion. The lawsuit, which is progressing toward trial in the Northern District of California with jury selection beginning on April 27, has been characterized by OpenAI as part of a long-running smear campaign . By filing the letter with state attorneys general, OpenAI is attempting to shift focus from allegations about CEO Sam Altman's personal conduct to what it views as coordinated anti-competitive attacks by its rivals.

OpenAI's letter argues that these attacks are "designed to take control of the future of AGI out of the hands of those who are legally obligated to pursue the mission of ensuring that AGI benefits all of humanity, and put it into the hands of competitors who lack mission-driven principles and spurn any responsibility for safety" . This framing positions the dispute not merely as a business rivalry but as a fundamental question about who should control the development of transformative AI technology.

Steps to Understanding the Stakes in AI Industry Conflicts

• Competitive Positioning: The alleged coordination between Musk and Zuckerberg suggests that major tech leaders are willing to collaborate against OpenAI despite their own competitive interests, indicating how significant the AI market has become.
• Regulatory Involvement: By appealing to state attorneys general in California and Delaware, OpenAI is attempting to leverage government oversight to address what it views as anti-competitive behavior, a strategy that could set precedent for how AI companies handle disputes.
• Mission-Driven Framing: OpenAI's emphasis on safety and mission-driven principles in its letter suggests that the company is positioning itself as the responsible steward of AGI development, contrasting itself with competitors it characterizes as lacking such commitments.

The timing of OpenAI's letter is noteworthy, coming as the AI industry faces increasing scrutiny over market concentration, safety practices, and the appropriate governance of advanced AI systems. The allegations of surveillance and opposition research also raise questions about the tactics being employed in what has become an increasingly contentious competition for dominance in the AI space .

OpenAI has reached out to xAI and Meta for comment on the letter, though responses had not been received at the time of reporting. The outcome of any investigation by California and Delaware authorities could have significant implications not only for OpenAI, Musk, and Meta, but for how regulators approach competitive disputes in the AI industry more broadly.