OpenAI CEO Calls for AI Regulation in US Election
Updated: Jan 4
OpenAI CEO raises concerns about artificial intelligence and elections, emphasizing the need for rules and guidelines.
The CEO of OpenAI, Sam Altman, expressed significant concerns about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in interfering with election integrity during a Senate panel hearing. Altman emphasized the necessity of regulation in this matter, highlighting the potential risks involved.
Altman stressed the importance of addressing the impact of AI on elections, stating, "I am nervous about it." He called for the establishment of rules and guidelines to ensure responsible use of AI technologies.
As companies invest substantial resources into developing increasingly versatile AI, concerns have arisen regarding potential societal harms, including prejudice and misinformation. Senator Cory Booker echoed these concerns, emphasizing the global expansion of AI and the need for effective regulation.
Senator Mazie Hirono drew attention to the dangers of misinformation, particularly as the 2024 election approaches. Hirono highlighted an example of a viral image depicting former President Trump's arrest by the NYPD, questioning Altman on the potential harm caused by such faked images. Altman responded by suggesting that creators should clearly indicate when an image is generated and not based on factual events.
During his first congressional appearance, Altman proposed the consideration of licensing and testing requirements for AI model development in the United States. He stated that models capable of persuading or manipulating a person's beliefs should meet a certain threshold for licensing. Altman also supported the idea that companies should have the right to restrict the use of their data for AI training, while emphasizing that publicly available web content should remain accessible for such purposes.
Altman expressed openness to the idea of advertising but favored a subscription-based model. He also highlighted the importance of global cooperation and incentives for safety compliance in the field of AI.
In the pursuit of addressing AI-related concerns, the White House has gathered leading technology CEOs, including Altman, to discuss the implications of AI. U.S. lawmakers are actively seeking ways to maximize the benefits of AI while safeguarding national security and curbing potential misuse. However, reaching a consensus on regulation remains a challenging task. A recent proposal by an OpenAI staff member suggests the establishment of a U.S. licensing agency for AI, potentially named the Office for AI Safety and Infrastructure Security (OASIS), according to Reuters.
OpenAI, with support from Microsoft Corp (MSFT.O), emphasizes the need for global cooperation and incentives to ensure AI safety compliance. Christina Montgomery, Chief Privacy and Trust Officer at International Business Machines Corp (IBM.N), urges Congress to focus regulatory efforts on areas with the greatest potential for societal harm.
OpenAI CEO highlights concerns regarding AI's impact on election integrity and stresses the need for regulation.
Companies' pursuit of versatile AI technology raises fears of societal harms.
Senator Cory Booker and Senator Mazie Hirono express concerns over AI's influence on elections and misinformation.
Altman suggests licensing and testing requirements for AI models and advocates for data usage restrictions.
Altman supports a subscription-based model and emphasizes global cooperation and safety compliance.
White House engages technology CEOs to address AI implications.
Proposal for a U.S. licensing agency for AI surfaces.
OpenAI and Microsoft call for global cooperation and safety compliance.
IBM's Chief Privacy and Trust Officer urges Congress to focus on areas with the highest potential for societal harm.