OpenAI considers slowing down advanced AI development

WASHINGTON, Sept 11: US artificial intelligence company OpenAI is considering slowing the development of its most advanced AI models amid growing concerns over the potential risks posed by increasingly autonomous systems, Bloomberg reported Friday.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman told employees during a recent meeting that the company could potentially moderate the pace of its development, according to people familiar with the discussions.

Altman also expressed hope that other leading AI laboratories would coordinate on similar measures, although he acknowledged that some competitors could decline to participate.

The discussions come as employees and researchers across major technology companies raise concerns about the potential dangers associated with advanced autonomous AI systems, increasing scrutiny of the industry's rapid development.

OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, has already slowed parts of its model-development pipeline and halted certain internal training processes over safety concerns, Bloomberg reported. The company declined to comment on the internal meeting.

The possible slowdown follows consultations between OpenAI executives and US government officials. Altman said in July that he had discussed with the White House the need to carefully manage the pace of artificial intelligence development.

The discussions reflect growing debate within the technology industry and government over whether the rapid advancement of increasingly capable AI systems should be accompanied by stronger safety measures and greater coordination among leading developers.