Altman raises stakes on government scrutiny as AI advances
Axios · LC · trust 54/100
Add Axios on Google Sam Altman is interviewed Wednesday by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick at the G20 Innovation Ministerial in Chapel Hill, N.C. Photo: Sean Rayford/Getty Images
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — OpenAI CEO Sam Altman called the Trump administration's voluntary review of the company's forthcoming Astra model a "productive process" and said that closer engagement with government officials around the world will matter more as AI capabilities advance.
Why it matters: OpenAI is close to releasing Astra, the first model designated at its "critical" cyber capability level that the company says requires stronger safeguards during development and before release.
The Trump administration has developed a voluntary framework for reviewing some advanced AI models before release, including potentially giving government officials access for up to 30 days. The White House does not plan to publicly release the framework.
Altman, in an interview with Axios, confirmed the administration reviewed Astra and noted the process is voluntary : "But we of course did it."
Context: Altman flew to the G20 Innovation Ministerial on Wednesday to speak with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick before an audience of commerce and technology ministers, who over two days heard the U.S. pitch on lead the world in AI.
Altman, speaking with Axios, called for a "realistic" and "accurate" approach.
Between the lines: OpenAI and Anthropic have faced criticism that their support for some AI regulation could advantage the leading labs and make it harder for smaller competitors to keep up.
The big picture: Altman said he expected Congress to establish a "basic framework" for advanced AI after he first testified before lawmakers in 2023, but that hasn't happened.
What's next: Expect OpenAI to continue releasing its models as nations grapple with safety questions.
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