ChatGPT Maker Sam Altman Says Superintelligent AI Should Be Regulated Like Nuclear Energy

OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, has put forward a proposal for the establishment of an international organization tasked with regulating the development and deployment of artificial intelligence (AI).

This move comes as the company anticipates that AI systems in the next decade will possess expert-level capabilities and perform tasks comparable to major corporations today. OpenAI emphasized the need for public oversight in governing such powerful systems and stressed the importance of democratic decision-making in determining the boundaries and defaults for AI.

OpenAI’s proposition for an AI regulatory body was outlined in a blog post authored by CEO Sam Altman, President Greg Brockman, and Chief Scientist Ilya Sutskever. The post drew parallels between the potential risks associated with advanced AI and nuclear energy, suggesting the need for an authority akin to the International Atomic Energy Agency to address these risks effectively. To mitigate the perils posed by superintelligent AI systems, OpenAI presented a three-point agenda.

Firstly, OpenAI called for collaborative efforts among AI system developers, including companies like Bard, Anthropic, and Bing, to ensure the safe development of “superintelligence” and facilitate its integration into society. The company proposed two possible avenues for this coordination: the establishment of a regulatory framework involving leading AI manufacturers in collaboration with governments worldwide or a voluntary agreement among these companies to limit the growth of AI within predefined parameters.

Secondly, OpenAI advocated for the creation of an international body, similar to the International Atomic Energy Agency, to oversee the regulation and inspection of AI systems. This proposed organization would possess the authority to conduct inspections, require audits, enforce compliance with safety standards, impose restrictions on deployment and security levels, and more.

Lastly, OpenAI emphasized its commitment to enhancing the safety and alignment of AI systems with human values and intentions. The company stated that it is actively working on measures to make artificial intelligence safer and more attuned to human needs, ensuring that these systems operate in accordance with desired outcomes.

OpenAI’s proposal for an international regulatory body dedicated to governing AI marks an important step towards addressing the potential risks posed by advanced AI systems. Through collaborative efforts, OpenAI aims to ensure the safe development and integration of superintelligent AI systems while prioritizing safety, compliance, and alignment with human values.