OpenAI CEO Sam Altman reveals that the company is not currently working on GPT-5, citing the need for further preparations before starting the project. In a conversation with Economic Times, Altman emphasises that they have a significant amount of work to do before embarking on the development of GPT-5. He explains that after completing GPT-4, it took them more than six months of preparation before the model was ready for release.
Delay and Open Letter Impact
Addressing the speculation about the delay in creating GPT-5 being influenced by the open letter calling for a six-month halt on training AI systems, Altman denies any correlation. He asserts that the delay is unrelated to the warning letter, which was signed by prominent tech figures, including Elon Musk. Altman clarifies that they are currently focused on developing new ideas necessary for GPT-5, but they are still far from starting its implementation.
Building Confidence and AI Regulation
During his visit to India, Altman aims to meet with top leaders and lawmakers to build confidence in ChatGPT, OpenAI’s AI chatbot. His objective is to assure regulators that the company is prepared to cooperate and to encourage them to consider the potential threats posed by AI. Altman emphasises the importance of AI regulation but suggests that it should primarily apply to larger industry players. OpenAI explicitly supports minimal regulation for smaller companies, advocating self-regulation within their own organisation.
Job Impact and Adaptation
Addressing concerns about AI’s impact on jobs, Altman acknowledges that every technological revolution leads to job changes. He believes that society can adapt to any labour market changes within two generations, with new jobs emerging that are often better than those replaced. Altman predicts that while certain jobs may become obsolete, new and improved job opportunities, which are currently difficult to envision, will arise as a result of AI advancements.
India’s Role in AI Regulation
When asked about his perspective as a ministry overseeing technology in a country like India, Altman highlights the upcoming G20 summit and India’s potential to play a crucial role in shaping global conversations around AI regulation. He suggests that India can contribute significantly to discussions on what regulatory frameworks in this domain should encompass.
