The CEO of ChatGPT manufacturer OpenAI Sam Altman stated on Monday that he was “quite optimistic” about the prospects for international cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI) during a visit of capital cities.
The startup’s public face, which is sponsored by Microsoft Corp. (MSFT.O), has been on a whirlwind tour in an effort to take advantage of interest in generative AI and influence regulations for the developing field.
Regulators are frantically trying to adjust current standards and set new norms to regulate the usage of generative AI, which can generate text and images. This technology is inspiring both excitement and worry about its potential to transform a wide range of businesses.
The European Union is making progress with its draft AI Act, which experts expect to become law this year, while the United States is leaning toward adapting existing laws for AI instead of creating new legislation.
Sam Altman visited Japan in April, meeting with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and saying he was considering opening an office in country.
“All of the conversations have progressed quite well,” Altman said on Monday without providing detail.
Even though Japan invests in automation technology, observers consider it as lagging behind in developing the types of AI services that currently generate enthusiasm among consumers.
“There’s a long history of humans and machines working together here,” Altman said.
Altman is due to visit Singapore, Indonesia and Australia before returning to the U.S.