Elon Musk, CEO of Space Exploration Technologies Corp. and Tesla Inc., warned on Thursday that rapidly advancing AI models pose imminent risks and proposed that rival AI labs should inspect each other's latest systems before release. During an interview with The Economist, Musk said the capabilities of frontier AI models are improving at a rapid pace, increasing the need for safeguards. He proposed that rival AI labs, including those in China, should be given time to inspect each other's models and report potential risks to governments. The interview follows a recent proposal by Google DeepMind co-founder Demis Hassabis for an industry-led body to evaluate advanced AI models for potential dangers.
Musk Proposes Mutual Inspection Among Rival AI Labs
Musk said during the interview that the effort should extend beyond U.S. companies to include Chinese AI developers. He argued that rival labs should be given one or two weeks to inspect each other's latest models before release and flag potential risks to governments in Washington and Beijing.
"The competitors can keep each other honest," Musk said.
He pointed to Hassabis's recent proposal for an industry-led body to evaluate advanced AI models for potential dangers.
Musk Says Cooperation With Sam Altman May Be Necessary
Musk said ensuring the safety of increasingly capable AI models may require cooperation even among fierce competitors. That could include working with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, despite their years-long legal dispute and public feud stemming from the early days of the company they co-founded.
"At the end of the day, if we have to talk, we'll talk," Musk said. He also said that they may have to set aside their personal differences "for the good of the world."
Musk has repeatedly accused Altman and OpenAI of abandoning the organization's founding nonprofit mission in favor of commercial interests, leading to lawsuits and an unsuccessful $97.4 billion takeover bid in February 2025 for the nonprofit controlling OpenAI.
Musk Opposes Ban On Chinese AI Models
Musk pushed back against efforts to bar American companies from using Chinese AI models, arguing such restrictions would do little to slow China's progress in artificial intelligence. His remarks closely mirror Nvidia Corp. CEO Jensen Huang's comments earlier on Wednesday that U.S. companies should "absolutely" use Chinese AI models.
Musk said Chinese developers would likely continue advancing despite U.S. attempts to curb their access to cutting-edge technology. He also expressed confidence that China will eventually overcome its shortage of advanced AI chips by developing its own lithography machines.
SpaceX Stocks Up 0.3% In Thursday Pre-Market Trade
SpaceX shares were up 0.3% in Thursday's pre-market trade. SPCX stock is down 23% year-to-date. The S&P 500 ETF is up 19% over the past 12 months, while the Invesco QQQ Trust is up 26%.
Retail sentiment on Stocktwits around SpaceX trended in the 'neutral' territory at the time of writing.
FAQ
What did Elon Musk propose regarding AI model safety on Thursday?
Musk proposed during an interview with The Economist that rival AI labs, including those in China, should be given one or two weeks to inspect each other's latest models before release and report potential risks to governments in Washington and Beijing.
Why did Musk say he may need to work with Sam Altman?
Musk said ensuring the safety of increasingly capable AI models may require cooperation even among fierce competitors, which could include working with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman despite their years-long legal dispute. Musk stated they may have to set aside their personal differences "for the good of the world."
What is Musk's position on banning Chinese AI models?
Musk pushed back against efforts to bar American companies from using Chinese AI models, arguing such restrictions would do little to slow China's progress in artificial intelligence. He said Chinese developers would likely continue advancing despite U.S. attempts to curb their access to cutting-edge technology.
