- OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman urged lawmakers to regulate artificial intelligence technologies
- Altman's remarks were made in a Senate hearing over the potential consequences of such advancements
- The situation comes as many governments and technologists have growing concerns about the speed of AI development
OpenAI chief executive and ChatGPT creator Sam Altman testified in a Senate hearing on Tuesday and largely agreed with senators on implementing regulations for artificial intelligence technologies.
During Altman's first testimony before Congress, he urged lawmakers to regulate artificial intelligence technologies. His call comes as members of the Senate subcommittee showed a simple understanding of the technology.
Sam Altman Testifies Before Congress
The latest hearing underscored the lingering tension that many technologists and governments feel regarding the potential consequences of artificial intelligence. However, that concern did not extend to Altman, who retained a relatively friendly audience among the subcommittee members.
The 38-year-old Stanford University dropout and tech entrepreneur's appearance at the Senate hearing was seen as his christening as the leading figure in AI technology. As per the New York Times, he swapped his usual pullover sweater and jeans for a blue suit and tie.
Altman also talked about his company's technology when he had dinner with dozens of House members on Monday night. He was also said to have privately met with several senators before the Senate hearing, as revealed by people who attended the dinner and the meetings.
The AI expert allegedly offered a loose framework to manage what happens next with the quickly-developing technologies that some have argued could fundamentally affect the economy.
The OpenAI chief executive said AI technology could do badly if it goes wrong. He said he wanted to be vocal about that possibility and noted that he was willing to work with the government to prevent such consequences.
The situation has also united lawmakers in the hearing as Democrats and Republicans got along and even complimented each other on the collegial atmosphere in the room. After the hearing, Sen. Richard Blumenthal said that Altman looked to be sincere during his testimony, according to BBC.
Regulating AI Technology
Altman argued that artificial intelligence could become as big as the printing press but acknowledged its dangers. Additionally, he admitted that the impact of the technology includes the likelihood that it could replace some jobs.
Senators also argued that new laws must be implemented to make it easier for people to sue OpenAI. On the other hand, Altman said that he was concerned regarding AI's potential effects on democracy itself and how AI can be taken advantage of to send targeted misinformation during elections.
During his testimony, the OpenAI chief executive gave several suggestions on how a new agency in the United States could work on regulating the AI industry. This includes giving out and taking away permits for AI companies. Altman added that companies such as OpenAI need to be audited independently.
On the other hand, Republican Sen. Josh Hawley argued that the technology could also be revolutionary but compared it to the "atomic bomb." Blumenthal noted that Altman differed from other CEOs in how he handled himself during the hearing, said the Washington Post.
