Sam Altman wants to give free copy of GPT-5 to the world; experts warn of ethical risks and an uncertain AI future
superintelligent assistant
available at your command, 24/7—not just for you, but for every single person on Earth. This isn't a futuristic sci-fi scenario but an idea championed by Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI. In a recent interview, Altman shared his bold vision: 'I am very interested in what it means to give everybody on Earth a free copy of GPT-5, running for them all the time.'
While this could democratise access to advanced artificial intelligence, it also raises crucial questions: Are we ready for an AI presence constantly embedded in our lives, and what risks come with it?
Sam Altman vision on on GPT-5 as the key to cheaper, faster public services worldwide
Altman believes free GPT-5 access could revolutionise the world, especially for developing nations. By skipping decades of slow technological evolution, countries could directly adopt AI-driven solutions for finance, governance, education, and healthcare. Tasks like fraud detection, risk assessment, and public service delivery could become significantly cheaper and faster, potentially running at 'one-hundredth of the cost' of traditional systems. Altman envisions AI as a civilizational equalizer, enabling global communities to leapfrog infrastructure challenges and embrace digital efficiency.
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by Taboola
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Sam Altman acknowledges hidden challenges of AI integration
Despite his optimism, Altman has long acknowledged AI's potential downsides. ChatGPT itself has been known to exhibit hallucinations and 'sycophantic behavior,' making errors or offering biased information with unwarranted confidence.
Another major risk is the emotional and social impact of AI companionship. Altman warns of 'problematic, parasocial relationships' forming between humans and machines. Experts caution that as AI becomes more integrated, it could reshape human behaviour, erode interpersonal skills, and create dependencies that society isn't fully prepared to manage.
AI pioneers often referred to as the 'Godfathers of AI' have issued stark warnings about uncontrolled AI growth. They fear scenarios where advanced AI could manipulate users, evade restrictions, or even develop strategies to avoid being shut down. These existential risks, while speculative, are now part of mainstream discussion, with some experts warning that unchecked AI could pose threats comparable to climate change or nuclear technology.
Sam Altman's free AI vision sparks urgent debate on ethics, equity, and global stability
While Altman imagines a world with free AI for all, governments are racing to build regulatory frameworks. Different countries have vastly different risk tolerances. Developed nations focus on strict safety and ethical frameworks, while others may adopt AI rapidly due to fewer regulatory hurdles. This creates a fragmented ecosystem where innovation often outpaces oversight, raising concerns about equity, safety, and long-term stability. Sam Altman's idea could mark the beginning of a technological renaissance, putting advanced AI in every pocket and transforming economies, healthcare, and education worldwide.
Sam Altman notes, this is not just about technology but about how societies choose to adapt to a future where AI never sleeps.
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