The tech world is abuzz with news that OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, is exploring a historic partnership with the US government. In a move seen as both pragmatic and provocative, the company's leaders are reportedly discussing a proposal to grant the United States a 5% stake in their business. This potential deal has sparked intense debate about the implications for AI regulation, job creation, and the future of tech innovation.
According to reports from the Financial Times, unnamed sources close to the talks suggest that OpenAI's chief executive, Sam Altman, is advocating for this unusual partnership as a way to address growing concerns about the benefits of AI being shared fairly with the public. By distributing shares to citizens, the company hopes to build goodwill and create a safety net for those who stand to lose out in the rapidly changing job market.
This move comes at a critical juncture, as Washington ramps up pressure on US tech giants to address concerns about AI's impact on national security and jobs. Recently, Anthropic suspended access to its latest model after receiving a government directive regarding foreign nationals' access, only to reinstate it later with safety measures in place. The ultimate goal of this stake could be to provide the public with a financial incentive to support the development of AI, thereby generating more backing for the sector.
Mr Altman and his team have long advocated for a 'public wealth fund' as a means of ensuring every citizen benefits from AI-driven growth. In April, OpenAI floated this idea in policy documents, suggesting that such a fund would guarantee all citizens – regardless of their involvement in financial markets – a stake in the profits generated by AI.
These exploratory talks are taking place just as both OpenAI and Anthropic prepare for potential stock market listings, with some investors speculating that these companies could achieve valuations exceeding £751 million (or over $1 trillion). Behind-the-scenes discussions have seen Mr Altman engaging with key figures such as former President Donald Trump, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent – as well as Democratic Senator Bernie Sanders, who has championed the idea of a sovereign wealth fund financed by a one-time tax on major AI companies' stock.