CEO of OpenAI calls for US to regulate artificial intelligence

24 May, 2023 — Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, testified before a US Senate committee, urging lawmakers to regulate artificial intelligence (AI) and calling for the formation of a new agency to license AI companies.
Altman highlighted the rapid emergence of AI models in the market, emphasizing the need for regulation due to their potential inaccuracies and dangers. He has been a vocal advocate for addressing ethical concerns associated with AI and expressed optimism about the future of jobs, but worried about AI’s impact on the economy and potential misuse during elections to spread targeted misinformation. He suggested licensing, testing requirements, and independent audits for AI companies to regulate their development and release.
Bi-partisan support for industry regulation was evident, but concerns were raised about the capability of an agency to keep up with the fast-paced technology. The testimonies underscored the importance of maximizing the benefits of AI while minimizing the potential negative consequences, drawing parallels to previous transformative inventions and highlighting the need for proactive action from Congress.