OpenAI CEO Sam Altman meets PM Modi; Here’s what they discussed

Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, expressed his satisfaction with the meeting he had with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 8, stating that it was a positive experience and that the Prime Minister showed great enthusiasm towards artificial intelligence (AI), reported Money Control.

According to the report by Money Control, this meeting holds significance as it coincides with India's efforts to regulate AI through the forthcoming Digital Indian Bill, which is set to replace the existing Information Technology (IT) Act. It is worth noting that the Indian government's approach to AI regulation may differ from the approach advocated by Altman.

Reportedly, during the Digital India Dialogues, Altman expressed his positive experience of the meeting, describing it as enjoyable and highlighting the Prime Minister's enthusiasm and insightful understanding of AI and its advantages. Altman specifically mentioned discussing India's early and widespread adoption of ChatGPT, which he found fascinating to observe, and praised the Prime Minister for providing excellent explanations in that regard.

Additionally, Altman mentioned that they also explored the various opportunities India offers in the field of AI and engaged in discussions about regulation.

"We talked about the opportunities in front for the country, what the country should do, also the need to think about global regulation to make sure we prevent some of the downsides from happening — but it was a great hour,” the OpenAI CEO said.

Altman, in an interview with the Economic Times on June 7, acknowledged that ChatGPT has gained immense popularity, with India standing out as a country that has wholeheartedly embraced the technology. Altman expressed his appreciation for the early adoption and genuine enthusiasm displayed by Indian users.

Altman's visit to India entails a busy schedule, including meetings with government officials and discussions on various topics, such as India's prominent AI program, alongside other engagements.

In the past, Altman proposed the establishment of a global body to regulate advanced AI, a notion that Minister of State for Information and Technology, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, disagreed with. Chandrasekhar acknowledged Altman's intelligence and acknowledged that he has his own perspectives on AI regulation. However, Chandrasekhar emphasized that India also possesses intelligent minds with their own viewpoints on implementing safeguards and regulations for AI.

“If there is eventually a United Nations of AI – as Sam Altman wants – more power to it. But that does not stop us from doing what is right for our digital nagriks (citizens) and keeping the internet safe and trusted,” the minister added.