Analysis

How AI is about to change, according to Altman (and what Musk will do)

Two years after he stunned the world with the launch of ChatGPT, Sam Altman says human-level artificial intelligence is almost upon us, but we don’t need to worry yet.

Paul SmithTechnology editor

Dec 5, 2024 – 5.45pm

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If the emergence and rampant adoption of generative artificial intelligence has been the defining technology story of the past two years, then Sam Altman, the co-founder and chief executive of ChatGPT maker OpenAI, has been the main character.

We now have a rare insight into how he thinks the AI arms race will play out and how soon humanity-shaking AI will arrive.

Paul Smith edits the technology coverage and has been a leading writer on the sector for 20 years. He covers big tech, business use of tech, the fast-growing Australian tech industry and start-ups, telecommunications and national innovation policy.