OpenAI CEO Sam Altman told employees the company is open to slowing the pace of cutting-edge artificial intelligence development. He also wants other major AI labs to consider a similar approach, according to a Bloomberg report published on September 11.
Altman raised the possibility during a companywide meeting this week. He reportedly said OpenAI could pace its work on frontier AI systems in coordination with other leading AI companies. The discussion comes as concerns over the safety of advanced AI systems have grown across the industry.
Several researchers recently raised questions about how quickly companies are developing increasingly capable models. OpenAI did not publicly confirm Altman’s reported comments. The company declined to comment when Bloomberg sought a response.
Altman’s reported position is not entirely new. He said in July that he planned to discuss the need for a measured approach to AI development with White House officials. OpenAI also highlighted that it slowed some parts of its model development. The company has paused some internal AI training over safety concerns, according to the report.
OpenAI chief scientist Jakub Pachocki separately argued that AI companies should be prepared to coordinate on the pace of development when circumstances require it. Altman reportedly acknowledged that a coordinated slowdown would face challenges. Some rival AI companies may decide not to join such an effort.
The latest discussion follows public criticism from researchers who have left leading AI companies. Former OpenAI and Anthropic researcher Jacob Coxon recently criticized both companies over their approach to advanced AI development. Coxon said the companies were moving too quickly towards self-improving AI systems. His comments drew widespread attention online and added to the broader debate over AI safety.
For now, there is no confirmed delay to a specific OpenAI model release linked to Altman’s reported comments. Any wider slowdown would require agreement from multiple AI companies. The discussion also highlights a growing tension in the industry. Companies are competing to build more advanced AI systems while facing increasing pressure to address the risks associated with those systems.
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