Exclusive: OpenAI's Sam Altman hints at pact with other AI companies to address safety risks
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has informed staff that the company is open to slowing the development of cutting-edge AI to address safety risks. Altman has hinted at a potential agreement with other AI firms to coordinate this slowdown. This move coincides with OpenAI pushing for mandatory national AI safety requirements. However, internal warnings persist, with the company's chief scientist stating that no one is prepared for the consequences of AI, and a board member claiming the company is not on track to reduce the risk of catastrophic loss of control.
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- ✓ CEO Sam Altman told staff that OpenAI is open to slowing the development of cutting-edge AI.
- ✓ OpenAI's chief scientist warned that no one is prepared for the consequences of AI.
- ✓ OpenAI is advocating for mandatory national AI safety requirements.
What changed
Sam Altman hinted at a pact with other AI companies to address safety risks.
Live updates
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OpenAI CEO Sam Altman explores industry pact to slow AI development
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has informed staff that the company is open to slowing the development of cutting-edge AI to address safety risks. Altman has hinted at a potential agreement with other AI firms to coordinate this slowdown. This move coincides with OpenAI pushing for mandatory national AI safety requirements. However, internal warnings persist, with the company's chief scientist stating that no one is prepared for the consequences of AI, and a board member claiming the company is not on track to reduce the risk of catastrophic loss of control.
Why it matters
The push for a coordinated slowdown reflects growing concerns that AI is becoming harder for humans to control. OpenAI is currently investigating whether an industry-wide agreement to pace development would be legal. These internal tensions highlight a conflict between rapid innovation and the ability to manage systemic risks.
What is confirmed
- CEO Sam Altman told staff that OpenAI is open to slowing the development of cutting-edge AI.
- OpenAI's chief scientist warned that no one is prepared for the consequences of AI.
- OpenAI is advocating for mandatory national AI safety requirements.
Still unconfirmed
- An OpenAI board member claims the company is not on track to reduce the risk of catastrophic loss of control.
What to watch next
- Confirmation of a formal pact between OpenAI and other AI labs
- Legal rulings or opinions on the legality of industry-wide AI development slowdowns
- Implementation of mandatory national AI safety requirements
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (13)
- Business Insider — OpenAI's chief scientist says AI labs may need to slow down: 'No one is prepared for the consequences'
- BBC — AI is becoming harder to control – can humans stay in charge?
- Bloomberg.com — OpenAI Is Open to Slowing Cutting-Edge AI, CEO Sam Altman Tells Staff
- WIRED — OpenAI Wants to Know if an AI Industry Slowdown Would Even Be Legal
- Reuters — Altman tells staff OpenAI is open to slowing AI development, Bloomberg News reports
- Yahoo! Finance Canada — OpenAI pushes for mandatory national AI safety requirements
- Fortune — Exclusive: OpenAI's Sam Altman hints at pact with other AI companies to address safety risks
- The New Stack — OpenAI’s safety system is already cutting off API responses mid-task
- The Guardian — OpenAI not on track to reduce risk of ‘catastrophic’ loss of control, says board member
- BBC — OpenAI chief scientist warns no-one is prepared for consequences of AI
- Yahoo Finance — Why Is OpenAI Pushing To ‘Pace’ AI Development And What Does It Mean For The Industry?
- inews.co.uk — Workers still at risk as ‘Killer Kitchens’ crackdown finds hundreds of safety breaches
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