Altman opposes pre-release AI approval requirement in Washington visit
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman will oppose government proposals requiring AI developers to secure federal approval before releasing new models to the public, the company said Wednesday. Altman is in Washington this week to shape regulatory discussions around generative AI and large language models.
Instead of pre-release approval gates, Altman is pushing Congress to increase funding for AI testing at the Department of Commerce. The agency currently works with OpenAI and Anthropic to assess the capabilities and risks of their systems.
OpenAI wants the government to expand these testing efforts and hire additional experts in cybersecurity, biological threats, and national security. The company frames this as strengthening oversight without slowing product releases.
The regulatory tension
Pre-release approval requirements could slow new model deployments and force companies to redesign products to address government security concerns-outcomes that would affect industry profitability, according to OpenAI's position.
Altman is scheduled to meet with House Speaker Mike Johnson and other lawmakers on Wednesday. The White House has not confirmed whether any meetings with Trump administration officials are planned.
Timing and context
Altman's visit coincides with OpenAI's preparations for a confidential initial public offering. Competitor Anthropic, which makes Claude, filed confidentially for a US IPO on Monday.
For government professionals overseeing AI policy and procurement, this debate carries direct implications. Understanding these regulatory positions matters as AI governance frameworks take shape across federal agencies.
Your membership also unlocks:
