Oh, they might pretend to be outraged if that happens, but they are smart enough to understand that possibility … and they’re hedging their bets on him being able to avoid getting caught (or they figure that the value he provides before getting caught is worth it).
Given that this is a thread about ethical behavior, I wanted to acknowledge paraphrasing @Catcherinthetoast’s earlier quote before I get called out for plagiarism.
Given that they are starting a company that champions cheating, I would think that their claims are very much in line with their company ethos.
I wouldn’t be at all surprised if they solely rely on the AI systems other companies put out for free and they actually have nothing. Using AI isn’t at all like building an AI anymore than using any tool means someone who uses that tool would be able to create that tool. Look at some teens who have complete mastery over the use of their cell phones, likely even outdoing the cell phone designer in finding neat tricks and shortcuts, but wouldn’t be able to design the actual phone or write an app if their life depended on it. Same with using a radio, television, screwdriver etc.
My understanding is the investors are interested in the underlying technology which might have legitimate use cases. Lame example: you are on a call negotiating a better deal with your cable provider and this undetectable AI assistant provides persuasive counter arguments
As always tech companies justify by saying disruptive stuff will be invented anyway if not by these founders then by somebody else.