OpenAI Chief Executive Sam Altman stated that the potential benefits of artificial intelligence warrant accepting certain risks associated with its development, during an address at the World Government Summit in Dubai in February 2023. He argued that the technology should remain widely accessible to the public while also calling for the establishment of international regulatory oversight.
Speaking to attendees, Altman acknowledged the concerns surrounding advanced AI systems. According to reporting from Reuters, he noted potential negative outcomes, including the possibility of misuse by authoritarian governments. However, he emphasized that the upsides of the technology were substantial enough to justify proceeding with its development.
“I think it’s important to let people, to let society, have a sense of what this is, to play with it, to understand its upsides and its downsides,” Altman said, according to The Associated Press. He compared the societal impact of AI to that of the printing press, describing it as a significant technological advancement.
Altman’s remarks occurred several months after the public release of ChatGPT in November 2022. The conversational AI model, developed by OpenAI, brought mainstream attention to the capabilities of large language models and initiated widespread discussion among policymakers, industry leaders, and the public about the future of the technology.
During his speech, Altman also addressed the topic of regulation. He proposed the formation of an international agency, similar to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that oversees nuclear technology, to establish safety standards and monitor the development of powerful AI systems.
“I think the world can come together and say we’re going to do this,” Altman stated, referencing the global cooperation required for such an entity.
The discussion at the summit reflected an ongoing global conversation about how to manage the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence. Altman’s comments contributed to the dialogue concerning the balance between fostering innovation and implementing safeguards to mitigate potential harm. His position advocated for a dual approach of public engagement and formal international governance.
