DAVOS, Switzerland — OpenAI founder and CEO Sam Altman recently discussed the future of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and its resilience to political shifts, including the upcoming U.S. presidential election. Altman expressed confidence in both the AI sector and the United States, stating that they will remain strong regardless of the outcome of the election. Altman made these remarks during a Bloomberg House interview at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

When questioned about the impact of Donald Trump’s victory in the Iowa caucus and the public’s realization about the upcoming election, Altman reiterated his belief in the resilience of America and the AI industry. He emphasized the need for continuous effort and hard work to ensure their success. Altman also commented on the surprise many people felt regarding Trump’s popularity and highlighted the importance of leaders understanding the needs and concerns of citizens.

Altman acknowledged that technology, including AI, has contributed to the division between the working class and the advancements of society. He agreed that AI presents risks in perpetuating these disparities. Altman stated that the impact of AI extends beyond technology and becomes a social and political issue, which has already begun to unfold.

Looking ahead to the 2024 elections, OpenAI has released new guidelines to address concerns about the misuse of its generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT and DALL·E 3. The guidelines aim to ensure the responsible and ethical use of these technologies, particularly during political campaigns. OpenAI plans to implement cryptographic watermarks on DALL·E 3 generated images and prohibit the use of ChatGPT in political campaigns. Anna Makanju, Vice President of Global Affairs at OpenAI, affirmed the company’s commitment to enforcing these guidelines.

Altman referenced past disruptive incidents, such as the Cambridge Analytica scandal, which highlighted the potential risks associated with technology influencing elections. As a result, Altman stressed OpenAI’s focus on preventing its technology from being used to manipulate elections. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between technology companies, distribution platforms, and regulators to ensure responsible use of AI in the electoral process.

Altman expressed cautious optimism about the upcoming U.S. election and its potential impact on AI. He highlighted the need for careful monitoring and feedback to prevent any misuse. Additionally, Altman noted that the outcome of the election will shape how AI technology is ultimately regulated. He mentioned President Joe Biden’s executive order on AI, which addresses concerns regarding safety, security, privacy, equity, and civil rights.

Altman concluded by acknowledging the concerns raised by AI ethicists and regulators regarding the potential exacerbation of societal and economic disparities through biased AI systems.