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 noted that AI systems are already performing tasks that previously required teams of programmers, such as coding and research.
He predicted that newer models will enable scientists to make significant discoveries and allow individuals to accomplish tasks that once required entire teams. This shift is evident in the cybersecurity sector, where industry leaders warn that AI is tipping the balance in favor of attackers. Charles Guillemet, CTO of Ledger, stated that AI tools are reducing the cost and skill required to identify and exploit software vulnerabilities, with tasks that once took months now being completed in seconds. The crypto industry experienced over $1.4 billion in losses due to attacks last year, and this figure may continue to grow as developers increasingly rely on AI-generated code, which may introduce new flaws.
To respond to these threats, Guillemet emphasized the need 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, noting that it could enable more powerful cyberattacks and lower the barrier to harmful biological research.
He warned that these threats may emerge within a year, making coordination between government, tech firms, and security groups urgent. Altman suggested that OpenAI's policy ideas can serve as a starting point for managing systems that learn quickly and act across multiple fields, and that using AI to defend against potential attacks is crucial. He also discussed the potential nationalization of OpenAI, arguing that the US needs to succeed in building 'superintelligence' aligned with democratic values before other countries do. Altman believes that companies involved in AI must work closely with the US government, and he sees AI becoming a utility like electricity, with the cost of basic intelligence decreasing and top systems remaining expensive.
He emphasized the importance of having high-integrity and trustworthy individuals building AI, as it will become increasingly embedded in devices and affect various aspects of life.