[Inside Chodong] The Father of ChatGPT Paradoxically Calls for AI Regulation

‘ChatGPT’ has become synonymous with artificial intelligence. It was neither Apple’s Siri, Google Assistant, nor Amazon Alexa. Alibaba’s Tingwu nor Naver Clova were even close. With the emergence of AI that can converse like a human, the reputations of IT companies that had long been considered leaders in AI have faded.

This may be due to the disappointment that replaced previous expectations of AI. Isn’t it true that AI products commercialized so far?such as smartphones costing hundreds of thousands of won or AI speakers priced in the tens of thousands?have fallen short of expectations? They often provided unwanted information, gave incorrect answers, or were so limited in capability that it was difficult to ask for necessary information. These experiences turned into praise for ‘ChatGPT.’ The fact that for just $19.99 a month, you can ask anything and explore ways to utilize it further fueled the ChatGPT craze.

Although ChatGPT has captured global attention with its excellent product quality, if it were just a product, it might have only been this year’s hit item. People’s interest tends to fade quickly, and new AI features often become mundane. After all, AI is just one of the machines somewhat familiar in our lives.

However, ChatGPT’s dominance does not seem to end here. The ChatGPT craze has brought the important proposition of coexistence between humans and AI into a serious arena of debate. The main contributor is Sam Altman, the founder of OpenAI and known as the father of ChatGPT. Despite launching the most innovative AI product, he has insisted on the need for international-level AI regulations to ensure coexistence between humans and AI.

This is a different approach from the IT companies that have long shuddered at the mention of regulation. He explained to regulators what ChatGPT is, how it can change the world, and what humans need to prepare for. He also emphasized that AI is a completely different service from existing internet services and that AI-specific regulations are necessary. Altman went further, advocating for the establishment of an international organization led by the United States and the need for multinational regulations through it.

By clearly outlining what the legislature should do, he has taken the lead in regulation. As a result, the legislature has recognized the still-forming AI ecosystem and has begun anticipating and responding to potential issues arising from AI in the next presidential election. Recently, Altman CEO has expanded his connections with world leaders, including meeting President Yoon Suk-yeol on the 9th, gaining support for creating an international organization for AI regulation.

What should be noted here is that Altman CEO is a stakeholder in regulation. He must rightfully exist within the framework of regulation. However, by advocating for regulation, he has become both a stakeholder and a key figure in shaping the regulations.

Whether Altman CEO’s actions are a sophisticated marketing strategy or the concerns of a prophet foreseeing the AI era is unknown. It is also true that there are criticisms that the AI regulations he advocates could become barriers blocking the paths of other AI startups competing with ChatGPT. Nevertheless, what is certain is that by actively communicating with the U.S. Congress, which could be a major obstacle to ChatGPT’s development, ChatGPT is likely to overcome these challenges relatively easily.

Altman CEO’s approach offers a small resonance to business leaders. It shows the need to openly acknowledge the limitations of a product that quickly becomes apparent and to have an open mind to discuss its negative social impacts. This might be the fundamental attitude that managers must adopt to respond to the AI era.

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