OpenAI CEO Sam Altman Tries to Balance Fear of Artificial Intelligence With Beating Competitors
The Australian Financial Review
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Details
- Date Published
- 3 Oct 2026
- Priority Score
- 3
- Australian
- Yes
- Created
- 2 Oct 2026, 08:00 pm
Description
The OpenAI chief admits he is worried something could go seriously wrong for humanity, but a slowdown doesn’t mean stopping.
Summary
Sam Altman addresses the tension between rapid frontier AI development and the existential risks posed by high-level machine intelligence. The interview highlights Altman's admission that global safety risks exist while simultaneously advocating for continued acceleration to maintain competitive advantages. This discourse reflects a critical tension in global AI governance: the balance between commercial 'FOMO' and the implementation of safeguards against catastrophic outcomes for humanity. As an Australian publication, it underscores the local interest in how leader-led safety caution translates into actual policy and corporate responsibility.
Body
Paul SmithTechnology editorOct 3, 2026 – 5.00amIn many ways, it was an awkward moment for Sam Altman to stride on to the stage in San Francisco. Yet as the crowd of artificial intelligence engineers whooped and a swarm of cute cartoon dots flashed behind him, the threats about the end of the world faded into the background. The AI show must go on.Sitting down with AFR Weekend for a post-keynote chat, the most recognisable face of the AI era betrayed no fear that his company’s invention could wreak havoc on humanity. Instead, he performed an expert balancing act – weighing earnest caution against excitement for the potential of his creation.Loading...SaveLog in or Subscribe to save articleShareCopy linkCopiedEmailLinkedInTwitterFacebookCopy linkCopiedShare via...Gift this articleSubscribe to gift this articleGift articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? LoginLicense articleRead MoreAIOpenAISam AltmanAnthropicAnthony AlbaneseDonald TrumpTrump's AmericaAFR WeekendPerspectivePaul SmithTechnology editorPaul Smith edits the technology coverage and has been a leading writer on the sector for 20 years. He covers big tech, artificial intelligence, business use of tech, the fast-growing Australian tech industry and start-ups, and national innovation policy from our Sydney newsroom. Send tips to @sayssmithy.99 on encrypted messaging platform Signal. Connect with Paul on Twitter. Email Paul at psmith@afr.comFetching latest articles