The feud between the two billionaires has escalated dramatically, with Musk accusing Microsoft of stifling innovation and monopolizing key areas of the tech world.
The rivalry between Musk and Gates is nothing new, but recent events seem to have reignited tensions.
Musk took to social media to criticize Microsoft for its alleged “anti-competitive practices,” claiming the company is using its market dominance to suppress smaller competitors in fields like cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and software development.
“Microsoft is not fostering innovation; they’re crushing it,” Musk tweeted, sparking widespread debate online.
Musk also took a jab at Gates’s philanthropic endeavors, suggesting that his investments in green energy are overshadowed by Microsoft’s continued reliance on energy-hungry data centers.
While Musk has not provided detailed evidence to support his accusations, insiders believe the feud may stem from Microsoft’s recent partnership with OpenAI.
The tech giant has poured billions into the AI powerhouse, which Musk co-founded but later distanced himself from due to disagreements over its direction.
Musk has been vocal about his concerns regarding the dangers of unchecked artificial intelligence, and he has frequently criticized Microsoft’s influence over OpenAI.
“AI is one of the most transformative technologies of our time, and it should not be controlled by a single entity,” Musk said in a recent interview.
Musk’s call for a boycott has sparked a mixed response. Some of his supporters have rallied behind him, accusing Microsoft of monopolistic practices and calling for greater transparency in the tech industry.
“I stand with Elon. Microsoft has too much power over our data and our future,” one user posted on X, Musk’s social media platform.
However, critics argue that Musk’s remarks are hypocritical, given Tesla’s dominance in the electric vehicle market and SpaceX’s growing control over satellite internet services.
“Pot, meet kettle. Musk criticizing Microsoft for monopolistic behavior is rich,” said one tech analyst.
As of now, Bill Gates and Microsoft have not issued a formal response to Musk’s comments.
Gates, who has largely stepped back from Microsoft’s day-to-day operations, has previously refrained from engaging in public disputes with Musk.
