OpenAI’s chief executive and co-founder has informed Sky News that his platform is “not for sale” despite an unsolicited $97.4bn (£78.7bn) bid led by Elon Musk.
Sam Altman, currently at the Paris AI Summit with world leaders, was questioned about the future of OpenAI post Mr Musk’s bid.
“The board will decide how to proceed… our mission is crucial, and we are dedicated to preserving it,” he shared with Sky’s science and technology editor Tom Clarke on Tuesday morning.
“The company remains off the market, as does our mission,” he emphasized.
Elon Musk has led a $97.4bn bid for the platform. File pic: AP
OpenAI is intending to transition into a for-profit organization, a move vehemently opposed by Mr Musk. He has initiated legal action against it.
“It’s time for OpenAI to return to its roots as an open-source, safety-focused entity,” stated Mr Musk, a co-founder of OpenAI. “We will ensure that this transformation occurs.”
Mr Altman expressed interest in collaborating with China, despite uncertainties about U.S. government approval.
“Should we make every effort possible to work with them? Absolutely,” he stated.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
What is the Paris AI Action Summit?
Chinese company DeepSeek caused a stir in the AI industry recently by unveiling a potent AI model cheaper than OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
<p.U.S. officials have expressed security concerns about the company and have already restricted its usage on some government devices.
Read more from Sky News:
Teacher admits stabbing girl, 7, to death
Nationwide power outage blamed on monkey
Dozens of unexploded WW2 bombs found in playpark
When asked if OpenAI will continue prioritizing safety in its rapid AI development, Mr Altman reassured users.
He emphasized the importance of safety in their work and pledged to make their systems safe for users.
While safety may not be the primary focus at the summit, Mr Altman mentioned, “The main concerns shared have been about affordability, scalability, and advancement.”
Responding to whether OpenAI is committed to addressing safety along with other aspects, he affirmed, “Yes, we are capable of that.”
JD Vance delivers a speech during the plenary session of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit .
Pic: Reuters
This comes as U.S. vice president JD Vance cautioned against “excessive regulation” potentially hindering the AI industry’s growth.
“We are on the brink of a new industrial revolution comparable to the advent of the steam engine,” he remarked.
“Yet, this revolution may never materialize if too much regulation scares off innovators willing to take the necessary risks for progress.”
<p.In his first international trip as vice president, Mr Vance affirmed that the administration under President Trump will ensure AI systems developed in America remain unbiased.
<p.He emphasized that the U.S. will uphold its citizens' right to free speech.