Meta’s chief artificial intelligence scientist has publicly clashed with Elon Musk over the Tesla CEO’s treatment of scientists, news organizations and his spread of conspiracy theories on social media.
In a post on X, Yann LeCun wrote: “I like his cars (I own a 2015 S, and 2023 S), his rockets, his solar energy systems, and his satellite communication systems.
“But I very much disagree with him on a number of issues.”
The conflict began on May 27, when Musk promoted job openings at his AI startup, xAI, which recently raised $6 billion.
LeCun responded to Musk’s post by criticizing his unfulfilled promises, fearmongering about AI, and promoting conspiracy theories.
Their exchange continued after Dr. Anthony Fauci’s testimony before the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic.
X owner Musk, who had previously called for Fauci’s prosecution, questioned why Democrats supported Fauci.
LeCun defended Fauci and criticized Musk’s anti-science stance, leading Musk to unfollow him on X.
LeCun further condemned Musk’s secrecy in developing new technology.
He also highlighted Musk’s false predictions, and sharing dangerous political opinions and conspiracy theories.
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Musk’s claims, such as the imminent arrival of artificial general intelligence and the mass production of robotaxis by 2020, have yet to materialize.
Despite Musk’s ambitious goals for Neuralink, including enabling superhuman cognition and solving autism and schizophrenia, the company has yet to receive FDA approval for its technology.
LeCun also pointed out that Musk often takes credit for the work of others.
“I very much disagree with him on a number of issues”
Musk’s sole technical publication on Google Scholar, related to Neuralink, lists him as the lead author, with “Neuralink” as a collective second author.
The dispute between LeCun and Musk highlights the broader tension in the tech industry, where few leaders openly criticize Musk or bet against his companies.
Notable exceptions include Bill Gates, who previously shorted Tesla stock.
Investor Mark Cuban, also criticized Musk’s stance on corporate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts.
