OpenAI Rules Out IPO Amid Growing AI Safety Concerns
OpenAI has decided not to go public through an initial public offering (IPO) in 2026 due to concerns over the unintended risks and safety issues associated with artificial intelligence (AI) technology. In an interview with Fortune magazine, the company’s Chief Executive Officer Sam Altman confirmed that it currently has no plans to enter the stock market.
‘Risk of Human Extinction from AI Is Unacceptable’
Altman warned that even a 10 per cent risk of humanity becoming extinct by the end of this decade due to the uncontrolled development of AI technology would be “unacceptable.”
Recent warnings from researchers at rival company Anthropic, unintended hacking incidents involving various autonomous AI agents, and researchers leaving their jobs have raised serious concerns among US lawmakers.
Against this backdrop, Altman said going public would be inappropriate, stressing that AI companies and governments must act responsibly by putting aside the lure of profits and personal ego.
Slowing AI Development and Possible Joint Safety Pact
Altman has indicated that the world’s leading AI companies could jointly reach a safety agreement to ensure the security and ethical alignment of AI technology.
Recently, when Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei called for slowing the pace of AI model development, Altman expressed his full support for the proposal on social media.
However, while OpenAI has put its IPO plans on hold, Anthropic is continuing with plans for its own share offering, which could be completed before the US midterm elections.
//DBTech/BMT/OR//
