Sam Altman
, CEO of OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, reportedly warns of "very subtle societal misalignments" that could lead to unintended consequences from
AI
, not just sci-fi scenarios of robots taking over. According to a report by news agency AP, the
OpenAI
CEO said that the dangers that keep him awake at night regarding artificial intelligence are the “very subtle societal misalignments” that could make the systems wreak havoc.
Speaking at the World Governments Summit, Altman urged for an international body like the IAEA to oversee AI, as its advancement might outpace our ability to manage it. He believes these subtle misalignments, rather than "killer robots," pose the real threat, where well-intentioned systems go wrong due to unforeseen societal impact.
AI industry cannot self-regulate
However, he emphasizes that the industry shouldn't self-regulate. Open discussions and debate are crucial now, but a global action plan with broad consensus needs to be developed within the next few years.
OpenAI, a leading AI company funded by Microsoft, has faced ethical concerns around data sources and potential misuse. Altman highlighted how ChatGPT relies on accurate information, yet countries like the UAE, where he spoke, have tight information control, highlighting the challenges AI faces in different contexts.
Despite concerns, Altman sees promise. He mentioned schools increasingly embracing AI as a vital tool, despite initial fears of misuse. He emphasizes AI's infancy, comparing it to a "black-and-white cellphone," and predicts significant advancements in the next few years, culminating in remarkable progress within a decade.