Sam Altman, the chief executive of OpenAI, said the artificial intelligence industry has fallen short in communicating the benefits of its technology to the public.
According to a report by the Washington Examiner, Altman said the industry has "not done a very good job" explaining what AI can do for people. The comment came as polling and public debate have reflected widespread uncertainty and concern about where AI is headed and who benefits from it.
Altman's remarks were notable given that OpenAI is among the most prominent companies in the AI field. The company develops ChatGPT, one of the most widely used AI tools in the world, and has been at the center of debates over AI safety, labor displacement, and corporate accountability.
The acknowledgment puts the responsibility on the industry itself rather than on media coverage or public misunderstanding. Altman did not specify what a better communications effort would look like or which benefits he believed had not been adequately explained.
The AI industry has faced growing scrutiny from lawmakers, researchers, and workers who have raised concerns about automation, misinformation generated by AI tools, and the concentration of power among a small number of companies. Altman has previously testified before the United States Senate on AI regulation.
Public trust in AI companies has been an ongoing challenge. Critics have argued that the industry has moved faster than its ability, or willingness, to explain risks alongside benefits. Altman's statement appeared to concede at least part of that critique.
No specific plan or timeline for improved public communication was announced alongside the remarks.
