Yann LeCun Calls Out Elon Musk for Repeated False Promises on Self-Driving Teslas

In the ongoing debate over artificial intelligence and self-driving technology, raising serious questions about the claims of major figures in the industry has become a focal point. One notable figure, Yann LeCun, often hailed as the "Godfather of AI," has recently called out Elon Musk's persistent assertions regarding self-driving capabilities.

Accusations of Deception

LeCun, currently associated with Meta, expressed his strong dissent towards Musk's history of unfulfilled promises about fully automated Teslas. He openly accused the billionaire of lying repeatedly about the timeline for the arrival of fully self-driving vehicles. LeCun's sharp criticism highlighted Musk's continuous assurances that self-driving cars would be available "next year" for almost a decade.

While LeCun's remarks are significant, they were made in response to a more comprehensive critique from another industry figure, Dan O'Dowd. O'Dowd, a software CEO and self-proclaimed Tesla hater, took a nuanced approach by meticulously analyzing Musk's recent claims about Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology. He dissected each assertion, emphasizing the disparity between promises and actual advancements.

The Broken Promises

O'Dowd cited Musk's assertion that FSD v12 would introduce 'Actually Smart Summon (ASS),' a feature enabling consumers to summon their cars with computer vision and no one in the driver’s seat, within a month or two. However, O'Dowd pointed out the subsequent delay, as Musk later claimed the feature would be available 'next month.' Moreover, he emphasized that 'ASS was not even legally permitted to operate on public roads,' underscoring Musk's failure to deliver on yet another promise.

LeCun responded to a Tesla enthusiast's criticism of his views, clarifying that his discontent was directed towards Musk's alleged deception rather than the individual himself. LeCun distanced himself from any personal animosity, stating, 'I don’t hate Elon. I hate his lies.' He also expressed admiration for Musk's productive ventures, specifically highlighting his cars, rockets, and satellite network, signaling a more nuanced perspective on Musk's overall contributions.

This exchange sheds light on the complex nature of the discourse surrounding innovation, responsibility, and effective communication within the realm of technology. Both LeCun and O'Dowd's critiques stem from a shared concern for transparency and accountability in the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence and autonomous systems.