OpenAI CEO Sam Altman sat down with Oprah Winfrey for an interview that aired Thursday evening as part of her ABC special “AI and the Future of US.” The hour-long program featured conversations with key figures in technology, including Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, as well as FBI Director Christopher Wray and novelist Marilynne Robinson.
During the interview, Winfrey pressed Altman on issues of public trust, particularly in light of his brief ousting from OpenAI in 2023 amid allegations that he had misled the board. Altman, who has faced scrutiny over his commitment to AI safety, emphasized the importance of transparency and maintaining an open dialogue with the public.
When asked how people can trust him, Altman acknowledged the high stakes involved in AI development. He stressed the need to make the technology accessible to people, discuss its capabilities and limitations, and provide guidance on its societal impact. Altman also highlighted the importance of being willing to delay product releases when necessary.
Winfrey challenged Altman’s calm demeanor, expressing concern about the potential misuse of AI technology. In response, Altman admitted that while he is excited about AI’s potential benefits, he recognizes that it will inevitably be misused, like all previous technologies. He emphasized the need to mitigate risks while remaining optimistic about the overall positive impact of AI.
The OpenAI CEO revealed that he communicates with government representatives frequently, typically every few days, to help establish safety measures for AI technology. He stressed the importance of developing governmental procedures for safety testing AI systems, similar to those used for aircraft and new medicines.
Coinciding with the interview’s airing, OpenAI announced its latest product, Strawberry or OpenAI o1. This new generative AI model is designed to handle complex questions using more human-like reasoning capabilities.
OpenAI’s rapid growth since the launch of ChatGPT in 2022 has positioned it as one of the world’s most valuable startups. Recent reports suggest the company is in talks to raise $6.5 billion in its next funding round, potentially valuing OpenAI at $150 billion. Major tech players like Microsoft, Apple, and Nvidia are among the interested investors.
Throughout the interview, Altman displayed his characteristic charm, employing careful pauses, subtle laughter, and diplomatic responses to convey a sense of understanding and composure. When Winfrey mentioned that some consider him “the most powerful and perhaps most dangerous man on the planet,” Altman expressed surprise and downplayed the notion.
The conversation touched on various aspects of AI development and its potential impacts on society. Altman’s responses aimed to balance optimism about AI’s potential benefits with acknowledgment of the challenges and risks involved. He emphasized the need for ongoing dialogue, transparency, and collaboration between tech companies, governments, and the public to ensure responsible AI development.
As AI continues to advance rapidly, interviews like this one with influential figures such as Altman provide valuable insights into the thinking of those at the forefront of this transformative technology. The discussion highlighted both the excitement surrounding AI’s potential and the complex ethical and societal considerations that must be addressed as it becomes increasingly integrated into our daily lives.