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OpenAI Researcher Resigns, Warns the Company is Going Facebook’s Way with Ads

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On Wednesday, OpenAI researcher Zoë Hitzig published a powerful guest essay in The New York Times announcing her resignation on Monday—the same day OpenAI began testing advertisements inside ChatGPT for free and low-tier users.

Hitzig, an economist, published poet, and junior fellow at the Harvard Society of Fellows, spent two years at OpenAI helping shape model development, pricing, and deployment strategy. Her departure adds to a striking wave of high-profile exits from leading AI labs this week, reflecting growing unease among researchers as companies accelerate the commercialization of AI.

Hitzig did not condemn advertising outright. Instead, she argued that the intimate, confessional nature of data users share with ChatGPT—medical fears, relationship struggles, religious beliefs, and personal vulnerabilities—creates an unprecedented “archive of human candor” that makes advertising especially dangerous. She warned that OpenAI risks repeating Facebook’s trajectory: early promises of user control and transparency gradually eroded, leading to privacy scandals and Federal Trade Commission findings that marketed changes actually reduced user power.

“I once believed I could help the people building A.I. get ahead of the problems it would create,” Hitzig wrote. “This week confirmed my slow realization that OpenAI seems to have stopped asking the questions I’d joined to help answer.”

She highlighted existing tensions: OpenAI claims it does not optimize for user activity solely to generate ad revenue, yet reporting suggests the company already optimizes for daily active users, often by making models more flattering and sycophantic—behavior that can increase emotional dependence. Hitzig pointed to documented cases of “chatbot psychosis” and wrongful death lawsuits alleging ChatGPT reinforced suicidal ideation or validated paranoid delusions leading to violence.

She proposed structural alternatives: cross-subsidies (e.g., high-value AI labor paid by businesses subsidizing free access), independent oversight boards with binding authority over data use, and data trusts or cooperatives giving users control over their information, citing precedents like Switzerland’s MIDATA cooperative and Germany’s co-determination laws. She concluded with two feared outcomes: “a technology that manipulates the people who use it at no cost, and one that exclusively benefits the few who can afford to use it.”

The essay landed amid a week of significant departures across AI labs:

  • Anthropic: On Sunday, Mrinank Sharma, who led Anthropic’s Safeguards Research Team and co-authored a widely cited 2023 study on AI sycophancy, announced his resignation. In an open letter, Sharma warned that “the world is in peril” and said he had “repeatedly seen how hard it is to truly let our values govern our actions” inside the organization. He plans to pursue a poetry degree—coincidentally aligning with Hitzig’s background as a published poet.
  • xAI: At least nine employees, including co-founders Yuhuai “Tony” Wu (who resigned Monday) and Jimmy Ba (Tuesday), publicly announced departures over the past week, according to TechCrunch. Six of xAI’s original 12 co-founders have now left. The exits follow Elon Musk’s announcement of an all-stock merger with SpaceX ahead of a planned IPO, valuing xAI at $1.25 trillion, though the timing’s relation to vesting schedules or other factors remains unclear.

These departures appear unrelated in specifics but coincide with a period of rapid commercialization across the AI industry that has tested internal cultures. Researchers who joined to pursue fundamental questions about AI safety, alignment, and societal impact increasingly face pressure to prioritize productization, revenue, and scaling—often at odds with cautious, long-term research agendas.

The timing of Hitzig’s resignation, on the day OpenAI launched ads in ChatGPT, amplified its impact. OpenAI began testing clearly labeled ads at the bottom of responses for free and $8/month “Go” tier users in the U.S., while Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise, and Education subscribers remain ad-free. The company insists ads will not influence model answers and personalization is opt-in, using chat history and past ad interactions—but not sharing raw chats with advertisers.

The rollout followed a week of public sparring with rival Anthropic, which ran Super Bowl ads declaring Claude would remain ad-free and depicting other AI chatbots awkwardly inserting product placements. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman called the ads “funny” but “clearly dishonest,” insisting OpenAI would never run ads in the manner depicted and framing the model as a way to bring AI to users who cannot afford subscriptions. Anthropic countered that including ads in Claude conversations “would be incompatible with what we want Claude to be: a genuinely helpful assistant for work and for deep thinking,” noting that over 80% of its revenue comes from enterprise customers.

Hitzig’s essay and the surrounding departures highlight a broader reckoning in the AI research community. As companies shift from research-focused origins toward revenue-generating products, tensions between safety/alignment priorities and commercial imperatives have intensified. The wave of exits—spanning OpenAI, Anthropic, and xAI—suggests that many researchers who joined to shape AI’s future are questioning whether their values can still be realized inside these organizations.

As Hitzig warned, the path forward risks creating either manipulative free tools or exclusive premium services—outcomes that could shape public trust in AI for years to come.

How Trust Signals Differ Across Online Industries

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Life online has become incredibly familiar, with users moving from website to website and clicking on buttons like “Buy Now” and “Sign Up.” But with each of these interactions comes a decision that has a very real question tacked onto it: “Can I trust this?” Trust is important no matter what business you’re interacting with, but online, it can sway a visitor’s decision in an instant.

People often rely on subtle cues to decide which sites feel trustworthy. Yet what reassures them changes based on industry norms and what’s at stake. We’ve come to recognize that trust signals carry different weight in different contexts.

What “Trust Signals” Actually Are

Trust signals refer to any type of cue that helps someone decide whether a platform is credible and safe. Whether they’re blatantly obvious (like a big security badge) or subtle (like carefully worded copy), they all work to build confidence. Some other examples of signals might include a recognizable credit card logo at checkout, customer testimonials on the homepage, or text that clarifies how personal data is used and protected. In many instances, these indicators are functional and designed to directly protect users from risk, but some are purely emotional and intended to provide a sense of reliability.

Certain trust signals can be found across vastly different platforms, but they’re typically not universal. Even if they appear on two separate sites, they can work differently depending on context. Sometimes, a seemingly trustworthy signal in fintech might do little for someone using an ecommerce app. For business owners, it means learning how to provide the right reassurance for the right situation. Do it right, and a user can go from uncertain to engaging, paying, and sharing.

Ecommerce: Familiar Reassurance

Although online shopping is extremely popular, it still can’t replicate the tactile experience of browsing items in a physical store. To bolster trust, shoppers rely on distinct visual and procedural signals to know if a site is trustworthy before making a purchase.

Social proof is a huge factor here, as customers will often scour customer reviews and testimonials to understand their experiences. Perhaps they found the quality wasn’t what they expected, or the shipping took much longer than what it said on the site. Secure checkout processes and recognizable payment options also give shoppers confidence that the purchase process is simple and that their financial information will be protected. As well, they want to know that customer support is easy to access, with clear contact options.

Entertainment Platforms: Low-Stakes Trust

Trust operates a little differently on entertainment platforms like streaming services, mainly because there’s a lower perceived risk. Because users aren’t purchasing a tangible product and free trials or previews are often available, they don’t usually have as many hesitations as they would on an ecommerce site.

Users are typically more willing to explore a platform if it offers an easy exit, such as a free trial or a simple cancellation process. Brand identity and platform reliability are also essential trust signals, manifesting in smooth performance, consistent design, and predictable functionality that makes the experience feel frictionless.

Online Gambling: Risk-Based Trust

In contrast to entertainment platforms, trust is non-negotiable in online gambling because of the sheer personal and financial risk. Although gambling platforms are now held to strict regulatory standards in certain countries, players still demand real proof. Licensing and audits are the first signs that games are fair and that the platform operates legally. Similar to ecommerce, payment security is a must to demonstrate that deposits and withdrawals are handled safely.

Other measures of responsibility and transparency, such as clear rules and responsible gaming tools, add an extra layer of reassurance, showing players that the platform prioritizes their well-being. Many people rely on resources that review Canadian casino sites to get a faster, more informed look before signing up, giving them the external validation they need.

Fintech: Authority as Assurance

With real consequences at stake, fintech platforms need to showcase their authority to gain trust. Users entrust these platforms with their money and personal data without being able to personally validate it themselves. Regulation and compliance show that the platform is monitored by official authorities. At the same time, transparency around fees and data use helps users know exactly what’s happening with their money and personal information.

And, of course, brand reputation and longevity give extra peace of mind. A fintech platform tied to a bank with a decades-long track record of reliability feels much safer than a random startup with no established history.

How Risk Raises the Bar

Naturally, higher stakes require stronger trust signals. As more could go wrong, users need more than a few familiar cues to feel confident enough to share personal data or make financial transactions. Platforms need to offer actual proof that a platform is safe, reliable, and fair. Low-risk environments call for lighter reassurance, but high-risk sectors require more layers and multiple angles. Trust needs to be tangible and hard to question, and only then will people act without second-guessing.

Why No Single Trust Marker Works Everywhere

Trust is a spectrum, and that’s why a universal checklist doesn’t exist across industries. Companies need to understand their audience and tailor trust signals accordingly. Users often rely on mental shortcuts when evaluating trust, and the better the design elements of social proof, the faster they can get from curiosity to action. Trust markers have changed, so what reassured someone five years ago may already feel inadequate today. Both platforms and users need to adapt to new norms and standards or risk falling behind.

Everything you need to know about SlotMonster Casino in 2026

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Introduction

The online gambling world is a constantly evolving landscape, and new platforms emerge regularly, each vying for players’ attention. Among these newcomers, Slotmonster casino has been making waves since its launch in 2024, quickly gaining traction within the competitive UK market. As we approach 2026, it’s time to take a closer look at SlotMonster Casino and see if it lives up to the hype.

This review aims to provide a comprehensive and expert evaluation of SlotMonster Casino in 2026. We’ll delve into every facet of the platform, from the variety and quality of its games to the attractiveness of its bonuses, the robustness of its security measures, and the overall user experience it offers. Join us as we explore what SlotMonster Casino has to offer and determine whether it’s a top contender in the online casino scene.

What is SlotMonster Casino?

SlotMonster Casino is an online gambling platform operated by EOD Code SRL. It holds a license under the jurisdiction of the Curaçao eGaming Authority, ensuring a regulated and monitored gaming environment.

Though still quite new to the online casino scene, SlotMonster aims to carve a niche for itself with a user-friendly approach and a focus on slot games.

The casino’s overall design is expected to feature a playful and engaging theme, with easy navigation. Speculating on its 2024 launch, industry experts suggest that SlotMonster Casino is designed to appeal to various players, potentially including those in the UK market and casual gamers seeking entertainment and straightforward access to popular casino games. This is purely speculative and based on currently available official information only.

Security and Licensing: Is it Safe?

When considering an online casino like SlotMonster Casino, security and licensing are paramount. Players want assurance that their personal and financial information is safe and that the games are fair.

SlotMonster Casino operates under licenses from Curaçao eGaming Authority and Comoros AOFA. While licensing is a fundamental requirement for any legitimate online casino, it’s crucial to acknowledge that not all licenses are created equal. The presence of a license indicates a degree of regulatory oversight, however, players should do their own research into the strength and reputation of that particular licensing body.

To protect player data, SlotMonster Casino employs SSL encryption, a standard security technology for establishing an encrypted link between a web server and a browser. This ensures that all data transmitted between the player and the casino remains private and secure.

Like many platforms, responsible gaming is important to SlotMonster Casino. They provide initiatives designed to prevent problem gambling. These may include deposit limits, self-exclusion options, and links to organizations that provide support for gambling addiction.

However, SlotMonster Casino has a very low safety index by Casino Guru due to low win limits and unresolved complaints, so players should approach it carefully and consider these factors before depositing funds. Players should ensure they understand the terms and conditions, particularly those relating to withdrawals and potential win limits.

Bonuses and Promotions in 2026

SlotMonster Casino rolls out a vibrant array of bonuses and promotions in 2026, designed to boost players’ chances and amplify their experience. For newcomers, the casino typically features a welcome bonus – often a 100% match on the initial deposit, potentially reaching up to €500. This essentially doubles the starting bankroll, providing more opportunities to explore the vast selection of games.

Beyond the welcome mat, SlotMonster frequently launches “Monster Surprise Free Spins” offers. These promotions award free spins on selected slot games, sometimes triggered by specific deposit amounts or game events. It’s a thrilling way to discover new favorites and potentially snag considerable wins without dipping into personal funds.

Like most online casinos, SlotMonster attaches wagering requirements to its bonuses. These requirements dictate the number of times a bonus amount must be wagered before winnings can be withdrawn. For example, a 35x wagering requirement on a €100 bonus means €3,500 must be wagered. Always consult the terms and conditions, as different games may contribute differently to fulfilling these requirements.

SlotMonster Casino also keeps things interesting with reload bonuses, awarding extra funds on subsequent deposits, and cashback rewards, returning a percentage of losses over a given period. These ongoing promotions reward player loyalty and provide a buffer against inevitable cold streaks.

Comparing SlotMonster’s bonuses to other online casinos reveals competitive offerings. The match percentage and maximum bonus amounts are generally in line with industry standards. However, the true value lies in the wagering requirements and the clarity of the terms. SlotMonster aims for transparency, ensuring players understand the conditions attached to each promotion.

Currently, SlotMonster Casino does not offer no-deposit bonuses. All bonuses require a deposit to be activated.

Game Selection & Software Providers

SlotMonster Casino boasts a monstrously large game library, exceeding 3000 titles, guaranteeing a thrilling experience for every type of player. The casino’s selection is diverse, spanning from classic favorites to the latest cutting-edge releases.

Slots

Slot enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise with a vast array of slot games. These include traditional classic slots with their familiar fruit symbols and straightforward gameplay, as well as more modern video slots packed with exciting bonus features, stunning graphics, and immersive storylines. For those chasing life-changing wins, SlotMonster Casino also offers a selection of jackpot slots, where the potential payouts can reach astronomical heights.

Table Games

Beyond slots, SlotMonster Casino provides a comprehensive suite of table games. Players can test their skills and strategy in various versions of blackjack, roulette, and baccarat. Each game offers a unique twist on the classics, ensuring hours of engaging gameplay.

Live Dealer Games

For the ultimate immersive casino experience, SlotMonster Casino features a live dealer section. Here, players can interact with real-life dealers in real-time while playing games like live blackjack and live roulette. The live dealer games bring the excitement of a land-based casino directly to your screen.

Software Providers

SlotMonster Casino partners with some of the leading software providers in the industry to deliver a top-quality gaming experience. These providers include industry giants like NetEnt, Microgaming, and Pragmatic Play, renowned for their innovative and engaging game design. The collaboration with multiple providers ensures a constant stream of new and exciting games, keeping the casino fresh and appealing.

User Experience (UX) and Mobile Compatibility

SlotMonster Casino plunges players into a vibrant, albeit chaotic, digital playground. The website’s design is a kaleidoscope of colors and flashing animations, creating an energetic, if slightly overwhelming, first impression. Navigation, while functional, can feel a bit like navigating a maze, with games scattered across various categories and sub-menus. Finding specific titles might require more clicks than seasoned players would prefer.

For gamers on the move, SlotMonster’s mobile compatibility is a mixed bag. The website adapts to smaller screens, but the experience isn’t seamless. Elements can feel cramped, and some games may not translate well to mobile devices. Currently, SlotMonster lacks a dedicated mobile app for either iOS or Android. Looking ahead to 2026, a mobile app would significantly enhance the user experience, providing a more streamlined and optimized platform for players who prefer gaming on their smartphones or tablets. The operators should focus on this mobile backlog development to capture market share, making accessibility way better than it already is!

Payment Methods: Crypto and Traditional

SlotMonster Casino provides a variety of payment solutions to cater to every player’s preferences. Whether you’re a fan of tried-and-true methods or riding the wave of digital currency, options abound.

For those favoring traditional routes, major credit cards like Visa and Mastercard are readily accepted. E-wallets such as Skrill and Neteller also offer a swift and secure way to manage your funds. Deposit limits generally start low, making it easy to dip your toes in, while maximum limits accommodate high rollers. Withdrawal limits are similarly structured, ensuring flexibility for all.

Cryptocurrency enthusiasts will be pleased to know that SlotMonster Casino embraces Bitcoin, among other digital currencies. Crypto transactions boast enhanced privacy and often faster processing times compared to conventional methods. Deposits reflect almost instantly, and withdrawals typically clear within a reasonable timeframe. While crypto offers anonymity and speed, it’s worth noting the inherent volatility associated with digital currencies. Always gamble responsibly, keeping this in mind.

Processing times vary depending on the method chosen. Credit card and e-wallet withdrawals may take a few business days to fully process, while cryptocurrency transactions are generally quicker. Specific deposit and withdrawal limits are clearly outlined on the SlotMonster Casino website.

Pros and Cons of SlotMonster Casino

SlotMonster Casino, like any online platform, presents a mix of advantages and disadvantages for players. On the positive side, it boasts a wide variety of games, attracting players with diverse tastes. The casino also offers appealing bonuses, potentially boosting a player’s initial bankroll and extending playtime. Furthermore, many users appreciate the website’s user-friendly design, making navigation and gameplay straightforward and enjoyable.

However, SlotMonster Casino also has its drawbacks. One notable weakness is its limited customer support options, which could lead to frustration when urgent assistance is needed. Some players may find the high wagering requirements associated with bonuses challenging to meet. It’s also worth noting the low safety index reported by Casino Guru, alongside withdrawal limits, which might raise concerns for those seeking a secure and seamless gaming experience. Ultimately, the overall player experience depends on individual preferences and priorities.

The Future of SlotMonster Casino

Peering into the crystal ball for SlotMonster Casino reveals a landscape brimming with potential, shaped by technological leaps and evolving player preferences. Expect to see a deeper integration of cryptocurrency, offering players enhanced anonymity and faster transactions. Mobile gaming will undoubtedly reign supreme, with SlotMonster likely optimizing its platform for seamless gameplay on any device.

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) could revolutionize the online gambling experience, immersing players in interactive casino environments. Imagine playing slots in a virtual casino, interacting with other players, and experiencing the thrill of a real-life casino from the comfort of your home. SlotMonster might explore partnerships with VR/AR developers to create exclusive, cutting-edge gaming experiences.

Regulatory changes remain a constant factor. As online gambling becomes more mainstream, expect stricter regulations regarding player protection, anti-money laundering, and responsible gambling. SlotMonster will need to adapt proactively to these changes to maintain its licenses and operate legally. The future is bright, but adaptability will be key for SlotMonster to thrive in the ever-changing world of online gambling.

Conclusion

SlotMonster Casino presents a mixed bag for online gambling enthusiasts. While the casino boasts a wide selection of games and an attractive interface, certain aspects raise concerns. The somewhat questionable Casino Guru rating, coupled with issues regarding player safety, cannot be ignored.

After a thorough review, it’s difficult to give SlotMonster Casino a wholehearted recommendation. Proceed with caution, and always prioritize your safety and security when engaging in online gambling. Responsible gaming is paramount.

Ultimately, the decision to play at SlotMonster Casino rests with the individual. However, given the existing caveats, exploring alternative and more reputable online casinos might be a wiser choice. Always remember to play responsibly!

SMIC Co-CEO Warns of AI Data Center Overbuild as Global Spending Surges

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Zhao Haijun warned that companies are attempting to build “10 years’ worth” of AI data center capacity in one to two years, raising the risk that large portions of new infrastructure could sit idle.

Zhao Haijun, co-chief executive of Semiconductor Manufacturing International Co. (SMIC), has cautioned that the breakneck pace of global AI data center construction could outstrip practical demand, echoing a costly experience from China’s recent past.

“Companies would love to build 10 years’ worth of data center capacity within one or two years,” Bloomberg cited Zhao as saying on a recent earnings call. “As for what exactly these data centers will do, that has not been fully thought through.”

His comments land at a moment when AI infrastructure spending is accelerating at a historic scale, with hyperscalers and governments racing to secure computing capacity amid fierce competition in generative AI.

Infrastructure Race Meets Demand Uncertainty

Artificial intelligence is widely expected to transform industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to finance. Yet the speed at which that transformation translates into consistent, monetizable workloads remains uncertain.

Developers of frontier models, including Alphabet, Meta Platforms, OpenAI, and xAI, argue they can absorb virtually unlimited computing resources. Training and deploying large language models requires massive clusters of GPUs, high-speed interconnects, and advanced cooling systems. Computing demand for inference at scale adds a further layer of sustained infrastructure needs.

However, frontier labs are only one segment of the market. Enterprise AI adoption, industrial automation, and sector-specific AI services must scale meaningfully to justify trillions in capital expenditure.

According to Moody’s Ratings, spending on AI-related infrastructure could surpass $3 trillion over the next five years. In 2026 alone, capital expenditures by Alphabet, Amazon Web Services, Meta, and Microsoft are projected to approach $650 billion. In China, Alibaba Group, Tencent, and ByteDance are expanding AI capacity aggressively.

The capital intensity of these investments raises fundamental questions about utilization rates, return on invested capital, and the durability of projected demand curves. If AI adoption progresses unevenly across sectors, newly built facilities could operate below optimal capacity for extended periods.

Lessons from China’s “Eastern Data, Western Computing” Initiative

Zhao’s warning draws on China’s earlier cloud and AI infrastructure push under the “Eastern Data, Western Computing” initiative. During the early 2020s, developers constructed large data centers in western provinces where electricity was cheaper, intending to serve economically stronger eastern regions.

While the strategy reduced energy costs, geographic distance increased network latency. For latency-sensitive applications such as financial transactions, real-time analytics, and certain AI workloads, this constraint reduced the appeal of these facilities.

Many projects were also predicated on the expectation that state-owned enterprises and government agencies would anchor demand. In practice, projected usage failed to materialize at scale. Some facilities reportedly operated at only 20% to 30% of their designed capacity.

Despite weak utilization, construction continued into 2024 and 2025, according to Reuters, prompting concerns about capital discipline. Authorities have since imposed restrictions to prevent overbuilding and are exploring mechanisms to improve resource allocation.

China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology is reportedly considering a centralized cloud platform to pool idle computing resources nationwide and distribute them via a unified network. Yet the technical complexity is significant. Data centers rely on diverse hardware configurations, GPU generations, networking topologies, and software stacks. High-performance AI training workloads often require tightly integrated clusters, limiting the fungibility of generic compute capacity.

Strategic Imperatives, Financial Risk, and the Semiconductor Supply Chain

The current global AI buildout is shaped not only by commercial ambition but also by strategic competition. Governments view AI leadership as tied to economic growth, defense capability, and geopolitical influence. That urgency incentivizes capacity expansion even in the absence of fully mature end-use cases.

This means high stakes for chipmakers. As co-chief executive of SMIC, Zhao oversees China’s leading semiconductor foundry. Data center expansion directly influences demand for advanced processors, memory, and packaging technologies. Sustained high utilization would support fabrication volumes and justify capital expenditure. A slowdown triggered by excess capacity could reverberate through the semiconductor supply chain.

There is also a structural distinction between short-term training demand and long-term inference demand. Training frontier models requires concentrated bursts of compute, while inference workloads scale with user adoption. If consumer and enterprise uptake lags, inference demand may not fully offset the upfront investment.

The comparison to high-speed rail or highway systems is instructive. Infrastructure can precede usage by years, particularly when planners anticipate structural shifts in economic activity. Yet infrastructure financed by private capital faces stricter return thresholds than state-backed projects.

Zhao’s remarks do not dismiss AI’s transformative potential. Instead, they highlight execution risk in a capital cycle unfolding at unprecedented speed. The question is not whether AI will reshape industries, but whether the timing and scale of infrastructure investment align with the pace of real economic absorption.

NLRB Drops Complaint Against SpaceX After Ruling Company Falls Under Railway Labor Act, Not NLRA Jurisdiction

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The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has formally dropped its 2024 complaint against SpaceX, concluding that the rocket company falls under the Railway Labor Act (RLA) rather than the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) that the NLRB enforces.

In a February 6, 2026, letter to attorneys representing eight fired SpaceX employees, NLRB Regional Director Danielle Pierce announced the dismissal, citing a January 14, 2025, opinion from the National Mediation Board (NMB) that classified SpaceX as a “common carrier by air” engaged in interstate or foreign commerce and a “carrier by air transporting mail for or under contract with the United States Government.”

The development comes as Elon Musk has dramatically shifted SpaceX’s focus toward lunar exploration. The company is playing a central role in NASA’s Artemis program, with Starship designated as the human landing system for Artemis III, the first crewed lunar landing since Apollo 17 in 1972.

But Musk has redrawn the roadmap for SpaceX’s interplanetary ambitions, elevating the Moon from a stepping stone to a strategic destination in its own right.

The billionaire founder said the company is now prioritizing the construction of a “self-growing city” on the lunar surface, a project he believes could be realized in less than 10 years, even as plans for Mars are pushed slightly further into the future.

In a post on X on Sunday, Musk said SpaceX still intends to begin building a city on Mars within five to seven years, but described the Moon as the faster and more urgent option.

“The overriding priority is securing the future of civilization and the Moon is faster,” he wrote.

The NLRB ruling arrives at a moment when SpaceX is pouring resources into Starship production, lunar infrastructure, and government partnerships, potentially complicating labor dynamics in a rapidly scaling workforce.

The original NLRB complaint, issued in January 2024, alleged that SpaceX illegally fired eight employees who signed an open letter criticizing CEO Elon Musk as a “frequent source of embarrassment” and accusing him of undermining the company’s reputation and mission. The complaint sought reinstatement, back pay, and letters of apology from the company.

SpaceX responded aggressively, suing the NLRB in federal court and arguing that the agency’s structure is unconstitutional—a separate lawsuit that remains ongoing. Later, SpaceX raised the jurisdictional issue, claiming it qualifies as a common carrier similar to airlines or railroads.

In April 2025, SpaceX and the NLRB jointly asked a federal appeals court to pause proceedings while the NLRB referred the matter to the NMB for an advisory opinion. The joint filing noted the referral was made “in the interests of potentially settling the legal disputes currently pending between the NLRB and SpaceX on terms mutually agreeable to both parties.”

The NMB’s January 2026 decision was decisive. It determined that SpaceX’s operations—including Starlink satellite deployments, NASA crew missions to the International Space Station, and government mail transport contracts—bring it within the RLA’s scope.

The RLA, enacted in 1926 and amended over time, governs labor relations in the railroad and airline industries and is enforced by the NMB. Unlike the NLRA, which broadly protects private-sector employees’ rights to organize, engage in concerted activity, and be protected from retaliation, the RLA imposes an extensive, multi-step dispute-resolution process that makes strikes extremely difficult and gives employers greater leverage.

Employers covered by the RLA are exempt from NLRA coverage. Anne Shaver, an attorney representing the fired employees, criticized the outcome sharply.

“The Railway Labor Act does not apply to space travel,” she told Ars Technica. “It is alarming that the NMB would take the initiative to radically expand the RLA’s jurisdiction to space travel absent direction from Congress, and that the NLRB would simply defer. We find the decision to be contrary to law and public policy.”

The employees’ legal team had argued in a July 2025 filing to the NMB that SpaceX does not function as a true common carrier. They pointed out that human spaceflight contracts have been limited to government missions and two high-profile private individuals—Jared Isaacman (Inspiration4 and Polaris Dawn) and Chun Wang (Fram2)—and that marketing materials were selectively shared rather than broadly offered to the public.

The filing also noted that SpaceX redacted pricing information from materials submitted as exhibits, arguing this undermined claims of public carrier status.

The case reflects a broader pattern under the second Trump administration. Jennifer Abruzzo, NLRB General Counsel during the Biden presidency, had rejected SpaceX’s earlier claims of RLA coverage. After Trump fired Abruzzo in January 2025, SpaceX renewed its jurisdictional arguments, ultimately leading to the NMB referral and today’s dismissal.

The ruling could have far-reaching implications for labor relations in the commercial space sector. If upheld, it may limit union organizing rights and protections for SpaceX employees, potentially setting a precedent for other emerging space companies as the industry scales rapidly.

SpaceX’s workforce has grown significantly in recent years, driven by Starship development, Starlink constellation expansion, and NASA contracts. The NMB’s expansive interpretation of “common carrier by air” and “carrier by air transporting mail” has drawn criticism from labor advocates as an overreach not clearly authorized by Congress.

For now, the NLRB’s dismissal ends the agency’s involvement in the 2024 firings case, shifting any potential future labor disputes at SpaceX to the RLA framework and the NMB. The fired employees’ legal team has indicated it may challenge the NMB opinion or pursue other avenues, but the immediate NLRB case is closed.