OpenAI reportedly developing social media platform similar to X

OpenAI is reportedly exploring the development of a new social media platform that mirrors the functionality of Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter).

According to a report by The Verge citing multiple insider sources, an early internal prototype is said to feature a social feed built around ChatGPT’s image generation capabilities. While still in its nascent stages, the project has caught the attention of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who is reportedly seeking external opinions on its potential. It remains unclear whether this platform will be a standalone app or integrated into the existing ChatGPT interface.

OpenAI has yet to release an official statement regarding the development.

If launched, the social media project could further intensify the ongoing tensions between Altman and Elon Musk - a co-founder of OpenAI and current owner of X - who parted ways with the company in 2018. Their relationship has grown increasingly contentious in recent months.

In February, Musk led an unsolicited $97.4 billion acquisition bid for control of OpenAI, which was firmly declined by Altman. Musk has also sued OpenAI and Altman, accusing them of abandoning the organisation's original non-profit mission in favor of commercial interests. OpenAI responded with a counter-lawsuit earlier this month, accusing Musk of harassment and attempts to obstruct its transition to a for-profit model. The legal battle is expected to go to a jury trial next spring.

The development of a social platform could also position OpenAI as a new competitor to Meta, which is said to be working on its own AI-powered social tools. Altman previously responded to news of Meta’s plans by posting on X, “ok fine maybe we'll do a social app.”