By Breaking Editor 
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, addressed a pressing concern about the implications of artificial intelligence on employment and economic structures during his remarks at the BlackRock Infrastructure Summit. He acknowledged that AI is disrupting the traditional labor-capital balance, leaving ambiguity around solutions for the challenges it presents.
Altman’s comments come in the midst of rising public skepticism regarding AI technologies, especially following OpenAI’s acceptance of a Pentagon contract that aims to extend AI’s capabilities in defense. This move has incited backlash among users and employees, leading to a significant increase in uninstalls of the ChatGPT service. Altman has since modified company policy regarding domestic surveillance after criticism about ambiguous language in the contract.
In a controversial vision for the future, Altman stated, “We see a future where intelligence is a utility, like electricity or water, and people buy it from us on a meter.” This notion aligns with OpenAI’s current pricing strategy for its API, which operates on a token-based system. However, critics argue that equating AI to basic utilities raises ethical questions about accessibility and the commodification of essential services.
Furthermore, Altman highlighted the financial pressures facing OpenAI, citing increased compute and data-center energy costs, which have led to the cancellation of a planned expansion in Texas. He, along with CFO Sarah Friar, emphasized the need for federal support to manage infrastructure investments in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Much of the lore around AI centers on unshakeable inevitability. We invite reader to treat it like any other major technology and seek ownership. This is the best way to tell these dorks to suck it.