Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI and creator of ChatGPT, has urged US lawmakers to implement regulations for artificial intelligence (AI). Testifying before a US Senate committee, Altman discussed the potential benefits and risks associated with AI technology.

Altman emphasized the need for a new agency to be established for licensing AI companies. While AI models like ChatGPT can generate human-like responses, they can also produce inaccurate information. Altman, regarded as a spokesperson for the AI industry, has been proactive in addressing the ethical implications of AI and advocating for increased regulation.

He acknowledged the significant impact of AI on the job market and suggested that certain roles may be replaced by AI, resulting in layoffs. Altman stressed the importance of government intervention to mitigate these effects.

Altman also expressed concerns about the potential misuse of AI in influencing elections through targeted misinformation. He highlighted the need to address this issue, especially with an upcoming election, and emphasized the increasing capabilities of AI models.

Altman proposed several measures for the regulation of AI, including licensing and testing requirements for AI companies and independent audits for firms like OpenAI. Republican Senator Josh Hawley drew a parallel between the transformative nature of AI and the invention of the atomic bomb, emphasizing its potential for both positive and negative impact.

Democrat Senator Richard Blumenthal emphasized the importance of maximizing the benefits of AI while minimizing the risks. He warned that, as with social media, there is a choice for Congress to make regarding regulation.

The testimony revealed bipartisan support for the establishment of a regulatory body for AI. However, legislators also acknowledged the challenge of keeping up with the rapidly advancing technology.