Sam Altman’s $7 Trillion Ask: Securing Our Future?

Sam Altman, the co-founder of OpenAI, is looking to raise a staggering $7 trillion to address the global shortage of semiconductor chips caused by the growing demand for generative artificial intelligence (GenAI). Altman believes that the world needs more AI infrastructure, such as data centers and energy, than what is currently being planned. He argues that building massive-scale AI infrastructure and creating a resilient supply chain is crucial for economic competitiveness and a secure future.

Altman’s plan involves using the funds to build infrastructure on GenAI with the ultimate goal of achieving artificial general intelligence, which surpasses human intelligence. Some question whether this scaling is truly for the collective future or just for OpenAI’s benefit. It is important to consider the risks and challenges associated with AI systems and ensure responsible innovation before scaling them. Legislators and society should demand responsible AI practices to prevent unintended harm.

AI systems heavily rely on data, which poses significant risks and challenges. Incomplete, erroneous, or inappropriate data can lead to inaccurate and problematic outputs. In the case of large language models, poor or outdated information can be amplified and presented as plausible. Algorithmic bias is also a pressing issue that can result in discrimination. AI systems have environmental implications due to their high energy consumption, which is projected to double by 2026.

The Biden administration and the European Union are advocating for responsible AI practices. President Biden’s executive order calls for the development of AI tools to enhance cybersecurity and privacy, protect consumers, and address algorithmic bias. OpenAI signed a commitment to responsible AI in 2023. Practical solutions for transparency and auditability of AI systems are still lacking. Blockchain technology could be used to provide auditable responsible AI solutions.

Before scaling AI systems, it is crucial to implement responsible AI practices. This includes addressing the auditability of AI systems and mitigating their environmental impact. OpenAI should consider adopting blockchain technology to ensure transparency and demonstrate compliance with responsible AI standards. Prioritizing responsible innovation will secure our collective future and prevent potential harm caused by AI systems.