"Powerful AI Must Be Developed with Democratic Values"…What Did ChatGPT's Creator Say at the AI Hearing?

'AI Hearing Transcript' Review
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman
Proposes Democracy as Universal AI Value
Emphasizes Need for Regulation... States It Won't Hinder Innovation
China's AI Threat... Both Parties Unite on "Democratic AI Development"

"Powerful artificial intelligence (AI) must be developed with democratic values in mind (It is essential that powerful AI is developed with democratic values in mind)"

On the morning of the 16th (local time) at the Dirksen Federal Senate Building in Washington DC, USA. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, the developer of the generative AI 'ChatGPT,' who participated in the first 'AI hearing' of the US Congress, made this statement as one of the universal values AI should uphold. Ahead of next year's US presidential election, concerns have been raised that false information created by AI could have an impact, and that a 'crisis of democracy' might ensue. His response sparked voices of agreement among lawmakers, emphasizing the need to develop AI that upholds democratic values rather than Communist-style socialism amid the US-China hegemony competition extending into AI development.

"AI must be developed with democratic values in mind"

CEO Altman said, "AI must be developed with democratic values in mind," adding, "This means that American leadership is important." He further stated, "I believe we can reduce the risks ahead of us and harness the potential of this technology to grow the US and global economies." This was in response to growing concerns about the need for regulation as false information and manipulated images spread by AI could influence the upcoming US election and undermine democracy.

Among lawmakers, there was a flood of opinions emphasizing the need for democratic AI development. Not only false information created by AI but also China's AI development was seen as a threat to democracy. Senator Christopher Coons, a Democrat, said, "The Chinese claim that since AI is being developed in China, it will reinforce the core values of the Communist Party and the Chinese system," adding, "I am very concerned that general AI technology could undermine our belief in democratic values and institutions." Senator Josh Hawley, a Republican, stated, "Generative AI capabilities exist not only in the US but also in China, adversaries, and worldwide," emphasizing, "We need to consider how to control this technology for the freedom and people of the United States." Currently, China is pouring massive capital into AI development to surpass the US. Prior to the US discussions on democratic AI development, China has already issued guidelines stating that AI chatbots must reflect socialist values and must not incite state power.

'Section 230' application controversy: "We need to work together to find a totally new approach"

At the hearing, there was also controversy over whether 'Section 230,' a platform protection provision, should apply to generative AI like ChatGPT. CEO Altman said, "I do not believe Section 230 is the right framework," and added, "We argue that we need to work together to find a completely new approach." Section 230 essentially exempts platform companies such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube from liability related to content. Given the potential misuse of generative AI, it is argued that broad immunity like that granted to existing platform companies should not be allowed. Regarding whether companies can be sued if AI ruins lives, CEO Altman stated, "I believe companies should have clear responsibility."

CEO Altman emphasized the need for AI regulation, mentioning the necessity of licensing systems, new safety standards, and independent audits. He also expressed the view that regulation should be led by the United States.

However, while emphasizing AI regulation, he stressed that regulations should be tailored to the industry and should not hinder innovation. CEO Altman said, "Other countries like China may develop faster, and the US industry could fall behind," adding, "Regulations should apply to a few leaders like us and Google, and should not slow down small startups. We must leave room for new ideas, companies, and independent researchers to work, rather than imposing regulatory burdens."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.