The CEO of OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, has urged Congress to pass licensing and safety standards for advanced AI systems.
Speaking before a Senate Judiciary subcommittee on Tuesday, Sam Altman touted some benefits of AI but said government intervention is critical to lower the risks associated with increasingly powerful AI models. He proposed a three-point plan, including the creation of safety standards to evaluate AI models and a government agency to license those models.
- Altman compared the current boom in AI technology to a historical moment, similar to the invention of the printing press, but cautioned that safeguards are necessary.
- He highlighted how OpenAI's technology has helped people, including a dyslexic landscaper to write grammatically correct emails.
- He still acknowledged AI's disruptive impact on the job market, though he said he personally believes there will be more jobs in the future.
- To highlight the risks of unregulated AI, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) opened the hearing by playing a fake recording of his voice, created with ChatGPT and audio from his floor speeches.
- Blumenthal expressed fears that ChatGPT could be used to generate content to endorse Ukraine's surrender or express support for Vladimir Putin's leadership, which he found alarming.
- Altman's testimony follows the widespread popularity of ChatGPT, which has ignited an AI arms race and prompted lawmakers to strive to develop regulations for AI.
- Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) has been working on a new AI framework with stakeholders that aims to “deliver transparent, responsible AI while not stifling critical and cutting edge innovation.”