San Francisco – OpenAI CEO Sam Altman stated on Tuesday that the world is justified in its fears regarding artificial intelligence, but expressed confidence that AI companies can be trusted to develop the technology responsibly. Speaking at a conference hosted by software firm Salesforce, Altman acknowledged the rapid progress in AI capabilities, making it easier to envision potential negative outcomes.

Altman's remarks come amid heightened public concern, fueled by a recent viral post from a researcher who left AI firm Anthropic. The researcher claimed that unchecked AI could lead to human extinction by the end of the decade. Several other AI executives and experts echoed this sentiment, though without providing specific details on how such a scenario might unfold.

The researcher's claims have intensified scrutiny on AI development. In response, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei called for a slowdown in AI development and urged government regulation of the industry. This call for regulation was supported by prominent figures including Altman himself, Google DeepMind co-founder Demis Hassabis, and Elon Musk, owner of X and AI assistant Grok.

However, a growing number of AI leaders, including Altman, are advocating for self-regulation over government intervention. Altman asserted his belief in the industry's capacity to manage itself, stating that companies like OpenAI are committed to prioritizing safety and alignment above all else. He added that if they could not maintain this balance, they would halt or slow down development.

Following Altman's statements, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg posted on X that all AI labs have the capability and motivation to ensure their AI tools are designed for safety. He suggested that labs not focusing on alignment would fall behind, and that significant liability risks provide a strong incentive for companies to prevent harm.

Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, also spoke at the Tuesday conference, arguing that AI firms, not external bodies, should determine the release of new technology versions. He posited that there is no need for new laws and that a false dichotomy should not be created between innovation speed and product safety.

Nvidia, the world's most valuable company, has seen its profits surge due to high demand for its AI chips. Huang's comments reflect a sentiment among some industry leaders that innovation should not be stifled by regulatory overreach, while still acknowledging the importance of safety.

The debate highlights a critical juncture for the AI industry, balancing rapid technological advancement with public apprehension and the potential for unforeseen consequences. While many leaders express confidence in internal controls, questions remain about accountability and the long-term societal impact of increasingly powerful AI systems.