OpenAI Threatens to Leave EU: The Battle Over AI Regulation

OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman, has warned that the company may consider leaving the EU if the bloc overregulates AI technology. Altman has been meeting with top politicians across Europe to discuss AI's future and progress, including concerns about OpenAI's chatbot, ChatGPT.

Altman expressed his concerns in London, stating that the current draft of the EU AI Act would be over-regulating. However, EU lawmakers responsible for shaping the AI Act have disputed his claims, emphasizing that no dilution is expected.

Altman canceled his scheduled visit to Brussels, where EU regulators are working on the EU AI Act, the first set of AI regulations globally. EU industry chief Thierry Breton emphasized that the draft rules are not up for negotiation.

OpenAI is expected to discuss AI regulation in more detail, as Altman continues his meetings with world leaders like UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and French President Emmanuel Macron. However, Dutch MEP Kim van Sparrentak stated that European companies shouldn't be blackmailed by American companies.

OpenAI has previously clashed with regulators, with Italian data regulator Garante shutting down ChatGPT domestically due to privacy concerns. EU lawmakers have also added provisions to the AI Act, requiring companies to disclose copyrighted material used to train generative tools.

The draft AI Act has been agreed upon by EU parliamentarians, and the final details of the bill will be discussed by member states, the European Commission, and Parliament. While some amendments may be made, the overall trajectory of regulating AI remains in full swing.

Despite Altman's comments, experts believe it is unlikely that OpenAI will turn its back on Europe, considering the EU's economic significance. The legislation's provisions primarily focus on transparency, ensuring trustworthy AI and companies building it.

Altman's meetings with individual countries may be an attempt to push his agenda, but Brussels' plans to regulate AI technology continue to progress. Amendments may arise, but the overall trajectory remains intact.

Altman met with Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Munich, Germany, indicating ongoing engagement with European leaders. Sergey Lagodinsky, a German MEP involved in the legislation, expressed doubt that the overall trajectory would change significantly.