ChatGPT-Creator OpenAI Might Leave Europe If AI Regulation 'Proves To Be A Challenge', CEO Sam Altman Says

OpenAI plans to make efforts to adhere to the regulations once they are established in Europe before deciding on the possibility of withdrawal.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman expressed concerns on Wednesday about complying with forthcoming artificial intelligence (AI) regulations set by the European Union (EU), stating that the company may consider leaving Europe if compliance proves to be a challenge. The EU has been actively developing the first-ever global regulations for AI. One of the proposed measures in the draft is that companies utilising generative AI tools, including OpenAI's ChatGPT, must disclose any copyrighted material used in the development of their systems.

Altman, speaking at an event in London, mentioned that OpenAI intends to make efforts to adhere to the regulations once they are established in Europe before deciding on the possibility of withdrawal. He further stated, "The current draft of the EU AI Act would be over-regulating, but we have heard it's going to get pulled back. They are still talking about it," in an interview with Reuters.

Earlier this month, EU parliamentarians achieved a consensus on the draft of the act. The next step involves extensive discussions between the representatives of the Parliament, the Council, and the Commission to refine the bill's final details.

Altman emphasised the potential improvements that could be made to the draft, suggesting that there are various aspects that could be addressed, such as redefining the parameters of general-purpose AI systems. These systems are broadly applicable AI tools, including Microsoft-supported ChatGPT, which possesses multiple applications.

OpenAI's consideration of withdrawing from Europe reflects the significant impact of the EU's AI regulations on the tech industry. As the regulations continue to evolve, the hope remains that a balanced approach will be achieved, promoting innovation while addressing concerns surrounding the use of AI and copyrighted material.

It is imperative for OpenAI and other AI-focused companies to stay updated on the progress of the EU AI Act and make necessary adjustments to ensure compliance. The final regulations will likely have far-reaching implications for the future of AI development and deployment not only in Europe but also globally.