OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently expressed concerns about the distribution of benefits from artificial intelligence in a new essay on his blog. He emphasized the need for innovative ideas, such as a “compute budget,” to ensure that AI technology is accessible to everyone globally.
Altman noted that while technological advancements typically improve metrics like health and economic prosperity over time, they do not guarantee increased equality. He warned that the balance of power between capital and labor could be disrupted, necessitating proactive measures to address potential inequalities.
The rise of AI is already reshaping the job market, leading to layoffs and downsizing in various sectors. Experts caution that without appropriate government intervention and reskilling initiatives, widespread unemployment could become a reality. Altman reiterated his belief that artificial general intelligence (AGI), defined as an AI capable of solving complex problems at a human level across multiple domains, is on the horizon.
Altman believes that the true potential of AGI lies in deploying these systems on a large scale. He envisions a future where numerous advanced AI systems work across various fields of knowledge. While realizing this vision may seem costly, he pointed out that the expenses associated with AI usage have been decreasing significantly, with costs dropping by about tenfold every year.
OpenAI is currently in discussions to raise up to $40 billion for its initiatives and plans to invest heavily in a vast data network. Altman acknowledged that substantial funding will be crucial to achieve AGI and beyond. He also mentioned that OpenAI would impose strict safety measures around AGI.
As OpenAI transitions to a profit-driven model, Altman stated that the organization aims to empower individuals while maintaining a balance between safety and autonomy in the use of AI technology. His blog post comes just before the AI Action Summit in Paris.
