OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is seeking US government approval for a major project to boost global production of artificial intelligence chips, a move that could raise national security and economic concerns. Antitrust in Washington, Bloomberg reported.
Altman has been meeting with investors and potential partners in the United States, the Middle East and Asia in recent weeks, although he told some of them that he could not move forward without approval from Washington.
Sam Altman is now trying to convince American officials of a plan to increase semiconductor production, partly funded by the Middle East.
The goal is to raise billions of dollars to increase global capacity to make advanced computer chips and avoid shortages that could hinder widespread adoption of artificial intelligence and progress in the field.
TSMC, Intel, and Samsung are the main companies that make such chips, which means these companies are potential partners in Ultraman's efforts.
Bloomberg reported that Sam Altman met with Samsung executives last month, while the Financial Times reported that he met with TSMC.
Bloomberg also reported discussions with sovereign wealth funds in the Middle East regarding potential investments.
Altman said he believes it is necessary to work with the US government on the project's permits, timing and structure.
The CEO met with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and is holding meetings with other officials. Trade officials are also in internal discussions about OpenAI's ambitions in the Middle East.
“We had fruitful discussions about expanding the global infrastructure and supply chains for chips, power and data centers, which are essential for artificial intelligence and other technology-driven industries. AI,” OpenAI said in a statement.
Altman's ambitious fundraising could lead to a national security review of foreign investments by a panel led by the US Treasury Department and could violate the Commerce Department's controls on chip shipments to the Middle East.
Sam Altman is considering the possibility of creating a new company independent of OpenAI, a move that could raise antitrust concerns, which is why the project needs US government approval to move forward.
US law prohibits the same person from serving as a director or official on the boards of directors of two competing companies, and the Biden administration has increased scrutiny of so-called chain boards of directors.
It's unclear whether OpenAI will provide funding or establish a formal relationship with the new startup, but antitrust regulators at the Federal Trade Commission or the Department of Justice may have concerns about Altman's involvement if the new company makes chips specifically for OpenAI's use. .
Executives look at the market. Whether they should focus on a non-global effort to develop lower-level chips and software or a large-scale effort to overhaul chip manufacturing capabilities, the decisions determine what Sam Altman should do. .