OpenAI's Altman says AI benefits warrant accepting some risks

On October 4, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman stated that the benefits of artificial intelligence justify accepting some associated risks. In an interview with Politico's technology-focused newsletter Decoded, Altman expressed the belief that society should accept certain adverse outcomes for the advantages that AI technology brings and the agency it grants to individuals.

He noted a significant difference in viewpoint between OpenAI and rival Anthropic regarding AI regulation, stating that he disagrees with those who believe a single lab in San Francisco should have control over the technology to prevent potential harm. Altman emphasized that he would not trade a comprehensive safety protocol for the massive positive impact AI could have on people.

The AI industry is currently grappling with the pace of development and the risks posed by increasingly advanced systems, with Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei advocating for a slower pace of development. However, Altman publicly supported this position. In September, a researcher at Anthropic resigned, claiming that AI could potentially cause global catastrophe.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has dismissed calls for new restrictions on AI, arguing that it would hinder American companies' competitiveness against Chinese rivals and that existing law enforcement agencies provide sufficient safeguards.