OpenAI Founder: The government should not guarantee for enterprises, and the development of AI infrastructure should rely on market competition.

OpenAI founder Sam Altman issued a statement on November 7, addressing external doubts about whether the company is seeking government financing or guarantees for its AI data center. He clearly stated that OpenAI does not want or need government guarantees, and emphasized that the government should not take sides for businesses, nor should taxpayers be responsible for the mistakes of private companies.

The market determines victory or defeat, without relying on government rescue.

Altman stated directly that OpenAI has never sought government guarantees and opposes any form of subsidies. He candidly said:

“The government should not choose sides for businesses, nor should taxpayers foot the bill for the mistakes of private enterprises. If we fail, it should be up to the market to determine the winners and losers.”

He added that if the government wants to build and own its own AI infrastructure, it should be considered public property, and its benefits should be shared by the government and the entire population, rather than allowing private enterprises to benefit. Altman stated that establishing a national-level AI computing reserve is very reasonable, but it must be for the national interest, not for any technology company.

There has been talk about government guarantees, which are loan guarantees for semiconductor manufacturing.

Altman also explained that the only loan guarantee issue that OpenAI has discussed with the government is actually unrelated to data centers, but rather pertains to the U.S. semiconductor manufacturing program. The main purpose of this discussion is to localize the chip supply chain, create jobs in the United States, promote industrial resurgence, and strengthen the country's strategic position.

He emphasized that OpenAI has not formally applied for relevant programs, but has expressed a willingness to support industrial policies such as U.S. domestic chip manufacturing. This is completely different from government funding or guaranteeing corporate infrastructure.

Revenue soared, coupled with increased investment, directly addressing funding concerns.

Regarding the external curiosity about how OpenAI can afford its massive infrastructure costs, Altman admitted that the company expects its annualized revenue to exceed $20 billion by the end of this year and anticipates reaching hundreds of billions of dollars by 2030. Over the next eight years, the company will invest approximately $1.4 trillion in building AI-related infrastructure.

Altman stated that OpenAI will soon launch an enterprise version service and is optimistic about the growth momentum in three major areas: “AI cloud computing,” “new consumer devices,” and “robots.” Additionally, the company is also considering selling computing power to external enterprises and individuals, and does not rule out issuing new shares or raising funds through debt in the future.

If the company messed up, then it should close down.

Regarding some public opinion concerned that OpenAI is developing too quickly and may become a company that is too big to fail, Altman firmly stated:

“If we mess up, then we should go down. The market will correct itself, and other companies will move forward.”

He reiterated that this is how capitalism should be, and if there is a failure, it is one's own responsibility, not something the government should cover. Altman also mentioned that his company's CFO recently referred to the idea of government funding, which actually means that the U.S. government should establish its own AI infrastructure, and not that the government should provide guarantees for OpenAI.

(OpenAI CFO: There are currently no plans for an IPO, and the market should not over-worry about an AI bubble)

The government is the frontline for disaster prevention and response, not a role to wipe the backsides of enterprises.

Altman further explained that during a previous conversation with economist Tyler Cowen, they discussed whether the government should become the ultimate guarantor of AI. He clarified that this is not about the government guaranteeing AI companies, but rather about the role the government should play in the event of a catastrophic incident caused by AI.

For example, suppose malicious actors use AI to launch large-scale cyber attacks that paralyze infrastructure; such problems are too large to be handled without government intervention. He emphasized:

“The government should be the frontline in responding to crises, rather than guaranteeing that AI companies will not encounter issues.”

( Note: Tyler Cowen is an American economist, writer, and university professor, also regarded by media such as The Economist and Bloomberg as one of the most influential economists. )

The AI economy is booming and does not have a moment to spare.

In response to the question of why expansion is not happening slowly, Altman believes that this is a critical moment for building the foundation of the AI economy, and that the construction of large data centers and AI computing facilities will take years. If investment is not made now, there may be a shortage of computing power in the future.

He revealed that OpenAI has had to postpone the launch of some new features and models due to power limitations. In his view, insufficient computing power is more dangerous than “overexpansion.” Altman finally stated:

“We see that AI can assist humans in making breakthroughs in scientific research and may even help in treating diseases. If this requires massive computing power, we should prepare in advance.”

He emphasized that OpenAI's mission is to bring general artificial intelligence (AGI) to benefit humanity as soon as possible, rather than waiting ten years to start.

(Is OpenAI becoming a national treasure? When investment myths collide with economic reality, will AI become a national arms race?)

This article OpenAI founder: The government should not guarantee companies, the development of AI infrastructure should rely on market competition first appeared in Chain News ABMedia.