OpenAI CEO Sam Altman sat down with Oprah Winfrey in an hour-long TV special on ABC titled “AI and the Future of US” to address concerns about his trustworthiness and the safety of artificial intelligence (AI). Altman, a prominent figure in the AI field, has been accused of misleading his board and undermining AI safety.
During the interview, Winfrey questioned Altman about the public’s trust in him, referencing his brief ousting in 2023 due to allegations of lying to his board. Altman emphasized the importance of transparency, open dialogue, and delaying product releases if necessary to build trust. He acknowledged the high bar for trust in this transformative technology and highlighted the need for scrutiny.
Altman also addressed concerns about the potential misuse of AI technology, acknowledging that it will be misused like any other technology. He expressed excitement about the positive impact AI can have but stressed the need to be clear-eyed about the potential downsides.
In addition, Altman mentioned his regular communication with government officials to establish safety testing protocols for AI systems, similar to those used for aircraft or new medicines.
The interview with Altman was part of Winfrey’s broader exploration of AI’s impacts, featuring discussions with other tech industry figures like Bill Gates, FBI Director Christopher Wary, and novelist Marilynne Robinson.
Coinciding with the interview, OpenAI announced its new product, Strawberry or OpenAI o1, a generative AI model designed to handle complex questions using more human-like reasoning. OpenAI, which gained significant value since the launch of its ChatGPT model in 2022, is reportedly in talks to raise $6.5 billion in its next funding round, attracting investments from major players like Microsoft, Apple, and Nvidia.
The article event took place during the airing of the TV special on ABC, but the specific location is not mentioned.