OpenAI's Altman warns EU regulation may hold Europe back on AI development
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OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman has warned Europe that it risks falling behind in AI development. Altman expressed concerns about European regulation potentially hindering the progress of artificial intelligence.
EU Regulation and AI Development
At a panel discussion on AI at Berlin's Technical University, Altman addressed the EU's "AI Act", highlighting the importance of complying with the law and respecting the wishes of the European people. He emphasized the need for Europe to adopt AI swiftly to avoid lagging behind the rest of the world.
The EU AI Act, passed in March 2024, aims to regulate the use of AI tools, restricting those deemed too dangerous. Altman acknowledged the economic and societal impacts of varying regulatory regimes and expressed OpenAI's commitment to deploying products in Europe efficiently.
Global Perspectives on AI Development
Altman remained optimistic about the advancements in AI, dismissing concerns about limitations in developing artificial general intelligence (AGI). He suggested that significant progress in AI capabilities could emerge in the coming years, challenging conventional perceptions.
OpenAI's efforts to support European customers align with local data sovereignty requirements, ensuring data processing within the European Union. Altman's upcoming participation at an AI summit in Paris underscores the urgency for Europe to prioritize AI innovation.
Despite divergent regulatory approaches between the EU and the US, Altman's message emphasizes the need for Europe to embrace AI to avoid technological stagnation.
Originally published on doc.afp.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.
