OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said that people are right to be anxious about the rapid development of artificial intelligence [1].
This acknowledgment from the leader of one of the world's most prominent AI firms signals a shift in how the industry addresses public fear. As AI tools integrate deeper into the global economy, the admission that these concerns are valid may influence future regulatory discussions and safety standards.
Altman made the comments during an interview on CNBC's "Power Lunch" on June 1, 2026 [1]. During the broadcast, he discussed the accelerating pace of AI build-outs and the resulting concerns from consumers [1].
"People are right to be anxious about AI," Altman said [1].
The CEO expressed concern regarding how the speed of technological advancement impacts society [2]. He noted that the scale and velocity of AI deployment create a landscape where public apprehension is a logical response to the shifting environment [2].
Altman did not specify a particular timeline for when these anxieties might subside, but he linked the feeling of unease to the current trajectory of AI growth [1]. The conversation focused on the balance between pushing the boundaries of what the technology can achieve and managing the societal disruptions that follow such rapid change [2].
Throughout the interview, Altman said that the industry must remain cognizant of these human reactions while continuing to build the infrastructure required for the next generation of intelligence [1].
“"People are right to be anxious about AI."”
By validating public anxiety, Altman is attempting to build trust through transparency rather than dismissal. This positioning suggests that OpenAI may be preparing for more stringent public or government oversight by acknowledging the risks of AI acceleration before they are mandated by law.
