AI to change world ‘like mobile phones did,’ Altman says
The chief of ChatGPT-maker OpenAI told the World Governments Summit yesterday that artificial intelligence is the “most exciting frontier” he can possibly imagine.
“It will unlock a future that’s difficult for me to imagine in terms of how good it will be,” Sam Altman said in a video call.
The world has only scratched the surface of what can be accomplished through AI, he added.
“The current technology we have is like that very first cell phone with the black and white screen that could only display numbers,” he said.
“It just didn’t do much, but there was enough in that technology.
“You could make a call, but then it took many decades to the iPhones we have today, and it’s incredible.”
Mr Altman said that it will take an enormous amount of work for AI to reach its true potential.
“You have to be patient, give us some time,” he said.
“In a few more years it will be much better than it is right now and in a decade, it should be pretty remarkable.
“Imagine a world where everyone gets a great personal tutor, great personalised medical advice.”
The OpenAI chief also called for a global watchdog to monitor the most powerful AI systems.
“[It could] decide what sort of auditing and safety measures need to be in place before you could deploy a superintelligence system,” he said, referring to potential new AI systems that could pass human capabilities.
“For a bunch of reasons, the UAE would be well-positioned to be a leader in the discussions around that.”
Omar Al Olama, Minister of State for AI, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, opened the discussion with Mr Altman.
Mr Al Olama joked about speculation that OpenAI was trying to convince investors and governments, including in the UAE, to raise trillions of dollars to help boost international chip-manufacturing capacity.
“I’d like to start by proposing an idea I had last night while falling asleep. I’m looking to raise $7 trillion, if you’re interested in joining,” he said.
Mr Altman, laughingly responded: “If you figure out how to do that, please let me know, I’m very curious.”
Mr Al Olama added that “sometimes you read the news and you really feel how audacious people can be”.