Sam Altman Says OpenAI Could Slow Cutting-Edge AI Development

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has told employees that the company could potentially slow the development of cutting-edge artificial intelligence systems, according to a Bloomberg report. Altman reportedly raised the possibility of coordinating a slower pace with other major AI laboratories, although he acknowledged that other companies may not agree to such an approach.

The reported comments come as concerns about increasingly capable AI systems have intensified both inside and outside the technology industry. OpenAI’s chief scientist, Jakub Pachocki, has recently called for stronger safeguards and greater coordination around advanced AI, warning that current systems for maintaining human control may not be sufficient as capabilities continue to improve.

OpenAI has simultaneously continued to accelerate its research. The company recently said it had reached its goal of developing an automated AI research intern capable of working under human supervision. OpenAI says humans still determine research priorities, evaluate results and decide whether systems should be scaled, paused or deployed.

A coordinated slowdown, however, would be difficult to achieve because AI companies are competing intensely to develop more capable models and commercial products. Bloomberg reported that Altman is hoping other laboratories could participate, but differences in commercial interests and approaches to AI safety could make broad cooperation challenging.

The development marks a notable moment for OpenAI as it balances rapid technological progress with growing concerns about AI safety. Altman’s comments do not represent a confirmed halt or permanent reduction in OpenAI’s research, but they indicate that the company is considering whether the pace of frontier AI development should change as systems become increasingly powerful.