According to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, the US must take immediate action to prepare for the emergence of advanced artificial intelligence, as the technology transitions from theoretical to practical applications in the economy. In a recent interview, Altman emphasized that AI systems are already performing tasks that previously required teams of skilled programmers, such as coding and research. He predicted that future models will further revolutionize various fields, enabling scientists to make groundbreaking discoveries and individuals to accomplish tasks that once required entire teams. This shift is particularly evident in cybersecurity, where AI is giving attackers an upper hand.
Charles Guillemet, CTO of Ledger, noted that AI tools are reducing the cost and skill required to identify and exploit software vulnerabilities, allowing tasks that once took months to be completed in mere seconds. The crypto industry suffered losses of over $1.4 billion last year due to such attacks, and this figure may continue to rise as developers increasingly rely on AI-generated code, which can introduce new flaws. To counter these threats, Guillemet advocated for stronger defenses, including mathematically verified code and hardware devices that store private keys offline.
Altman also highlighted the potential risks of AI in biosecurity, warning that it could facilitate the creation of novel pathogens and enable powerful cyberattacks. He emphasized the need for coordination between government, tech firms, and security groups to address these threats, which may emerge within a year. Altman proposed OpenAI's policy ideas as a starting point for managing systems that learn quickly and operate across multiple fields, stressing the importance of using AI to defend against potential attacks. Regarding the potential nationalization of OpenAI, Altman argued that it would hinder the US's ability to develop 'superintelligence' before its rivals, which could have significant consequences.
He believes that companies involved in AI must collaborate closely with the US government. As the CEO of OpenAI, Altman has a financial stake in the sector's evolution, which may influence his perspective on regulation and the role of private companies in managing emerging risks. Altman also discussed the potential for AI to become a utility, like electricity, with the cost of basic intelligence decreasing and top systems remaining expensive. He envisioned a future where AI assistants, running in the cloud, will become ubiquitous and their cost will vary based on usage, emphasizing the importance of trustworthy individuals building AI.