In a surprising turn of events, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has publicly acknowledged and even praised DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis for using him as leverage in negotiations with Google.

The revelation came during Zuckerberg’s recent appearance on the “All Things AI” podcast, where he discussed the acquisition of DeepMind by Google in 2014. When asked about the deal, Zuckerberg admitted that he had been approached by Hassabis, who was seeking investment for DeepMind’s groundbreaking work in artificial intelligence.

“Demis was very smart,” Zuckerberg said, “He knew that Google was interested in AI, and he also knew that I was building out Facebook’s AI capabilities. He basically used us as a counteroffer to get a better price from Google.”

Zuckerberg went on to explain that while Facebook had ultimately declined to acquire DeepMind, the company’s interest in the company had pressured Google into offering a higher price to secure the deal. This, in turn, allowed DeepMind to continue its research and development without financial constraints.

“I actually respect Demis for that,” Zuckerberg continued, “He was playing the game, but he was also doing what he believed was best for DeepMind. And ultimately, I think it worked out for everyone. DeepMind has made incredible advancements in AI, and Google got a fantastic asset.”

This unusual public acknowledgement of a negotiation strategy has sparked discussions about the complex dynamics within the tech industry. Some see it as a sign of growing rivalry between Facebook and Google, while others point to the respect that exists between Zuckerberg and Hassabis, despite their competing interests.

Whatever the interpretation, it’s clear that Zuckerberg’s words have highlighted the strategic maneuvering and competitive pressures at play in the world of artificial intelligence. The story also serves as a reminder that even in the world of tech giants, shrewd negotiation and a bit of creative leverage can go a long way.