OpenAI founder Sam Altman has warned that artificial intelligence could pose an existential risk to humanity, arguing for the creation of an international body similar to the International Atomic Energy Agency to oversee its development. (Source: Associated Press)
Altman stressed that the world faces a real danger and that the key challenge is to manage these risks while preserving the tremendous benefits AI can bring. He underscored that no one wants to imperil the planet, speaking during remarks about the future of AI and the potential for society to harness transformative technology without fueling harm.
During a visit to the United Arab Emirates, Altman proposed the creation of an organization tasked with monitoring artificial intelligence progress. The governance framework would aim to ensure responsible deployment and ongoing oversight as AI systems become more capable. TheChatGPT service from OpenAI continues to illustrate how generative AI can answer user questions in real time, reflecting the broader trend toward widespread AI adoption. Microsoft has invested close to a billion dollars in OpenAI, signaling strong corporate interest in shaping the next era of intelligent software.
In recent weeks, leaders from major technology firms warned that the AI technologies under development could one day pose serious risks to humanity, comparable to pandemics or nuclear conflicts. They argued in favor of rigorous risk management and international cooperation to prevent misuse and unintended consequences.
To draw attention to these concerns, a number of experts prepared an open letter signed by senior executives from leading AI companies. The list includes Sam Altman, president of OpenAI; Demis Hassabis, president of Google DeepMind; and Dario Amodei, president of Anthropic. The letter calls for concrete steps to assess and mitigate risks while continuing to pursue the significant benefits of AI, including advances in health, science, and productivity.