From Vanity Fair · Mark Guiducci · · 3m
Sam Altman on AI, Existential Risk, and the Future
Sam Altman discusses AI's existential risks, his company's IPO plans, and the need for global cooperation on safety.
In brief
Sam Altman discusses AI's existential risks, his company's IPO plans, and the need for global cooperation on safety. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, acknowledges a 'non-zero' chance of AI causing human extinction while advocating for global collaboration on AI safety before an imminent existential risk. Originally reported…
Sam Altman's AI Leadership
Sam Altman is OpenAI's cofounder and CEO, recognized as the face of artificial intelligence technology and civilizational shifts.
AI's Existential Threats
Every day a new scientific breakthrough or existential threat makes the world more aware and distrusting of an AI future rapidly approaching.
Public Perception of AI
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Altman has become the figurehead of humanity's next chapter, with a 'non-zero' chance that it's our last.
Two Interviews
Altman was interviewed twice in San Francisco, first on September 11 and then again on October 2.
AI's Impact on Society
The public now believes AI is coming, but critics question where the economic growth and medical breakthroughs have been.
Mischaracterization as Villain
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Altman feels mischaracterized as a villain due to his association with AI, but says it's a human instinct to need a scapegoat.
Parenting and AI
Altman says having kids has been the best thing he's done, but he won't introduce them to AI until they're older.
Biopic Treatment
Luca Guadagnino's film 'Artificial' features Altman walking like him, but he says it's inaccurate.
Prepper Mentality
Altman has a survivalist mindset but no bugout plan, saying he's prepared for emergencies but not for a full-scale apocalypse.
OpenAI's IPO Plans
OpenAI is preparing for an IPO with a nonprofit structure to prioritize mission over profit, even if it means slower growth.
Compensation and Equity
Altman holds no direct equity in OpenAI, saying he's compensated by the 'most interesting, coolest, most impactful job' in the world.
AI Safety Concerns
Altman says OpenAI paused training to improve safety and alignment, but critics question if the company is acting responsibly.
Ethics and Leadership
Altman believes companies must collaborate on AI safety standards, but the industry's competitive nature makes this difficult.
Global Cooperation
Altman advocates for US-China agreements on shared AI safety standards to verify compliance with thresholds for safe progress.
Existential Risk
Altman acknowledges a 'non-zero' chance that AI could be humanity's last event, but says it's a collective effort to avoid this.
What Happens Next
Altman believes the world needs to pause AI development until safety thresholds are met, but the industry's speed makes this challenging.
The headline
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, acknowledges a 'non-zero' chance of AI causing human extinction while advocating for global collaboration on AI safety before an imminent existential risk.
