Sam Altman Says OpenAI Could Slow Advanced AI Development: Report
Sam Altman reportedly told OpenAI staff the company could slow advanced AI development if leading AI labs coordinate over safety concerns.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has told employees that the company could consider slowing the development of its most advanced artificial intelligence systems, according to a report. The idea would ideally involve coordination with other leading AI companies, although Altman reportedly acknowledged that rivals may not agree to slow their own progress.
The discussion comes amid growing concerns over the safety risks associated with rapidly advancing AI technology. OpenAI has reportedly slowed some model-development efforts and paused certain internal training activities in recent months over safety considerations. Altman has also previously discussed the need to pace AI development with US officials.
Concerns are growing among researchers and AI workers about the potential risks posed by increasingly capable systems. OpenAI scientist Jakub Pachocki has argued that companies need to strengthen safety and monitoring while keeping humans involved, or coordinate a slowdown when necessary to build confidence in safeguards.
Researchers who have left major AI labs have also criticised the speed of development and called for greater transparency around potential risks. More than 1,000 employees across major AI companies reportedly signed a petition earlier this year seeking mechanisms to slow development.
US lawmakers are also considering restrictions. Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Greg Casar have proposed legislation that would prohibit the development and deployment of superintelligent AI and pause advanced AI development until safety regulations are established.
