Tech Mogul Elon Musk Claims He Doesn't Use a Laptop: Allegations of Concealing Sensitive Documents in OpenAI Lawsuit

Elon Musk, the tech mogul and founder of several pioneering companies including Tesla, SpaceX, and Neuralink, is once again at the center of a high-profile legal battle. This time, Musk is embroiled in a lawsuit against OpenAI, the AI research organization he co-founded in 2015, and its CEO, Sam Altman.

The lawsuit, which has been brewing for years, accuses OpenAI of breaching its original non-profit agreement by becoming more commercially driven, particularly in partnership with Microsoft. 

Musk’s legal team has raised eyebrows with a recent claim in court that he "does not use a computer." This statement has stirred further controversy, given Musk's frequent social media posts featuring laptops, leading to questions about whether he is attempting to conceal sensitive documents.

In a Sunday court filing, Musk and his AI startup, xAI, leveled significant accusations against OpenAI. The lawsuit alleges that OpenAI breached its founding agreement by prioritizing commercial interests, specifically Microsoft's, over the intended goal of using AI for the benefit of humanity.

According to the filing, OpenAI’s shift to a for-profit model was a direct violation of the mission it was founded upon. This move is particularly contentious given Musk’s longstanding commitment to keeping artificial intelligence aligned with human welfare, a sentiment that aligns with his vision for AI development through his own ventures, such as xAI.

The legal documents also reveal a new conflict between the parties. OpenAI accused Musk and xAI of failing to comply with the discovery process, which is a critical phase in legal proceedings where both sides share evidence.

However, Musk’s lawyers, in their June 14 response, claimed they had conducted thorough searches of Musk’s mobile phone and email records but found no relevant documents related to the case on a computer, as Musk "does not use a computer."

The claim made by Musk’s legal team that he does not use a computer is at the heart of the controversy. Musk’s lawyers stated that they were "conducting searches of Mr. Musk’s mobile phone, having searched his emails," and emphasized that Musk does not use a computer.

This assertion raises immediate questions, given Musk's public persona as a tech magnate and his numerous references to using laptops and desktops on social media. The contradiction between the claim and Musk’s online presence has added an extra layer of intrigue to this already complex legal battle.

For instance, in December 2024, Musk shared a post on X (formerly Twitter) in which he proudly displayed a picture of his laptop. "This is a pic of my laptop," he wrote, adding that a fan in Germany had given him a sticker he was reluctant to part with.

Furthermore, in a response to a fan’s query about his gaming setup, Musk mentioned using an "ancient PC laptop" with a DOGE sticker — an apparent nod to his cryptocurrency involvement. These posts directly contradict the claim that Musk does not use a computer, prompting questions about why his lawyers would make such a statement.

In addition to Musk's own social media posts, which clearly depict him using laptops, there is also contradictory evidence from employees at X, who told Wired that Musk primarily works from his phone but does occasionally use a laptop. This revelation adds another layer of complexity to the legal dispute.

Musk’s usage of mobile devices is well-known, as he often shares updates and commentary via his phone, but the notion that he entirely eschews computers in favor of mobile devices seems implausible, especially considering his role as the CEO of multiple technology companies.

Moreover, photos of Musk’s office, which were published by Wired, show a gaming PC prominently displayed in his workspace in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, D.C. This only further contradicts the claim put forth by Musk’s legal team, raising suspicions that the assertion was either a strategic maneuver or an error in their legal defense.

The legal disputes between Musk and Altman stretch back several years, primarily revolving around philosophical and business disagreements over the future of artificial intelligence. Musk’s involvement with OpenAI began in 2015 when he co-founded the organization with the goal of ensuring that AI would be developed in a way that benefited humanity.

However, over time, Musk became increasingly disillusioned with OpenAI’s commercialization, particularly as the organization formed a lucrative partnership with Microsoft, culminating in the launch of ChatGPT in 2022.

Musk's frustration with OpenAI’s transformation into a for-profit entity led him to leave the organization’s board in 2018. Since then, Musk has consistently criticized OpenAI, and this ongoing feud has now evolved into a legal battle.

Musk’s decision to launch his own AI company, xAI, is seen as a direct response to his dissatisfaction with OpenAI’s direction. xAI, unlike OpenAI, is a for-profit venture, and Musk has repeatedly emphasized his desire to create AI technologies that serve humanity’s best interests.

The broader context of the lawsuit centers around Musk's claim that OpenAI breached its original contract by becoming a commercial entity, a shift that Musk argues goes against the organization’s founding mission. While a judge denied Musk's request to block OpenAI from transitioning to a for-profit model, she also ruled that a trial would take place next year to determine the full extent of the breach.

This trial will be pivotal in determining the future of Musk's legal battle with OpenAI.

Moreover, earlier this year, OpenAI filed a separate lawsuit against Musk, accusing him of unfair competition and interference with its business relationships. The lawsuit claims that Musk's actions, including the launch of xAI, have damaged OpenAI’s business relationships with investors and customers.

These twin lawsuits — one filed by Musk and the other by OpenAI — reflect the deepening rift between the two parties and underscore the intense competition that has emerged in the AI industry.

Elon Musk’s legal battles with OpenAI, along with the controversy surrounding his claim of not using a computer, have cast a spotlight on the murky intersection of business, technology, and personal conduct. The contradictions between Musk’s court filing and his social media presence have fueled speculation that Musk may be attempting to conceal critical information related to the ongoing lawsuit.

As Musk's legal struggles with OpenAI intensify, the implications for the future of artificial intelligence and the competitive landscape between Musk’s xAI and OpenAI remain unclear.

The upcoming trial, set to take place next year, will be a crucial moment in determining whether Musk’s accusations of a breach of contract are justified. Regardless of the legal outcome, Musk’s continuing role in shaping the AI industry through xAI ensures that the battle between these two tech giants will have far-reaching implications for the development of artificial intelligence in the years to come.