A Message to Singapore from the Chief of OpenAI

During a recent conversation at Singapore Management University, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman emphasised the significance of transparency and public participation in developing artificial intelligence (AI). Altman voiced worry that society would lose the chance to "co-evolve" with AI technology if it were secretly designed. As the creator of ChatGPT, a popular chatbot with over 100 million users that popularised generative AI technologies, Altman believes that making AI technology accessible to the general people is essential for understanding its possible applications and directing its impact on society.

During his globe trip, Altman spoke at Singapore Management University about artificial intelligence (AI) issues and how to get perspectives outside the Silicon Valley bubble. Altman expressed amazement at ChatGPT's global influence and the sophistication and consideration shown in discussions of AI policy. He also met behind closed doors with political figures to explore AI-related issues, including Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

Since ChatGPT was made available to the general public in November 2022, there have been increasing worries about generative AI systems like those employed there. OpenAI aims to create artificial productive intelligence (AGI) that is superior to human intellect and works for everyone. However, major tech companies and industry experts have urged for a halt to AI development out of concern for the spread of misinformation, the loss of jobs, and potential dangers to humanity.

Altman and officials from Google and Microsoft signed a letter proposing the reduction of AI's hazards. In response to privacy concerns, Italy temporarily outlawed ChatGPT in April. Singaporean authorities partnered with tech firms to address ethical problems with AI, stressing dangers such as misinformation, a lack of responsibility, and illicit use.

Altman acknowledges these issues but thinks that the damage done by AI models can now be controlled. He emphasised that society can adapt and co-evolve with AI through gradual improvements and technologies like ChatGPT. Before the creation of AGI, Altman emphasised the value of having debates about the implications of AI, saying that doing so allows for fruitful discussion and gives society the time it needs to understand and influence the technology's destiny.