OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is well aware that the AI industry is currently unpopular, with data centers becoming a particular focus of public opposition.
In an interview for a cover-story series published by Time magazine on the 26th, Altman candidly acknowledged: “It’s clear that, at least for now, everyone hates data centers. People are quite negative about AI.”
Opposition to data centers is especially intense at present. Altman has repeatedly discussed the backlash facing the AI industry, including opposition to data center projects from residents across the United States.
In an interview last month, Altman explained: “I can completely understand emotionally why people don’t want a data center built in their backyard. Even though I know a nuclear power plant is very safe, I wouldn’t particularly want one right next to my home.”
At a U.S. infrastructure summit hosted by BlackRock in March this year, Altman put it even more directly: “AI is currently not popular in the United States.”
In April this year, an attacker threw Molotov cocktails at Altman’s home in San Francisco and later threatened to burn down OpenAI’s headquarters. The attacker was ultimately arrested by police.
After the attack, Altman wrote on his personal blog: “Much of the criticism of our industry comes from people’s genuine concern about the enormous risks of this technology. Overall, I believe technological progress can make the future incredibly wonderful, for both your family and mine.”
According to Business Insider, some companies, including OpenAI, have begun addressing the issues at the center of the data center controversy, including water and power consumption. OpenAI has also introduced community benefit measures, such as offering eligible students in Ohio, Georgia, and Michigan Codex usage credits. OpenAI is building data centers in all three states.