Key facts
- OpenAI urged the US to lead global efforts to develop technical standards for frontier AI.
- The company stressed the need for common measurements and incident reporting protocols.
- OpenAI stated that pacing AI development means ensuring alignment research stays ahead of capabilities.
- The UN Security Council will meet to discuss AI and international security.
- US President Donald Trump has rejected calls to slow AI development, viewing it as a benefit to China.
Artificial intelligence giant OpenAI has called on the United States to lead an international effort to develop global technical standards for frontier AI, including systems capable of recursive self-improvement. The plea comes as AI leaders gather at the United Nations for high-level discussions on the technology's rapid advancement and potential risks.
In a blog post published on Monday, OpenAI emphasized the necessity of establishing a mechanism for complementary national and international standards, alongside common measurements and incident reporting protocols. The company warned that failing to lead could result in a fragmented and conflict-ridden global AI framework, potentially weakening existing alliances.
OpenAI clarified that pacing AI development is not about maintaining a fixed speed but ensuring that alignment research, which aims to ensure AI acts in line with human values, stays ahead of evolving capabilities. This discussion occurs against a backdrop of concerns about AI's potential to improve beyond human control.
The UN Security Council is scheduled to convene to discuss AI and international security, with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman expected to brief the council. The meeting, convened by France, will be chaired by French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot. This marks the second time the Security Council has met on the risks of artificial intelligence, following a 2023 session where China urged against AI becoming a "runaway horse" and the US warned against its misuse for repression.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump's administration has expressed skepticism about slowing AI development, viewing it as an opportunity for China to catch up. Trump has stated that the US already has regulatory guardrails in place for AI development.