OpenAI's Sam Altman proposes "Universal Basic Compute" to transform Universal Basic Income with AI

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape the labor market, OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman has proposed a new perspective on the concept of Universal Basic Income (UBI). This innovative approach, known as "Universal Basic Computation," may redefine economic security in the digital age.

New Thinking on Universal Basic Compute

Traditionally, Universal Basic Income (UBI) has been seen as a solution to combat the threats of automation and artificial intelligence, providing unconditional cash payments to adults regardless of their economic status as human labor is increasingly replaced. Sam Altman, a long-time supporter of UBI, believes that integrating technology into this concept could bring even greater benefits.

Universal Basic Compute: Everyone Owns a Share of GPT

In a recent episode of the All-In Podcast, Sam Altman introduced the concept of "universal basic compute." This idea involves allowing individuals to access a portion of computing power from advanced AI systems like GPT-7. "Everyone can have a small piece of the computation of GPT-7," explained Sam Altman. He envisions people being able to directly use this resource, sell it, or donate it for purposes such as cancer research, potentially creating a digital asset more valuable than traditional currency. "You own a piece of productivity," he noted, suggesting this model has the potential to empower individuals economically.

Why Does Sam Altman Support UBI?

Sam Altman's support for UBI is not new. As AI threatens jobs, safety nets like UBI may become crucial. In 2016, he initiated his own UBI experiment, providing over 3,000 participants with monthly payments ranging from $50 to $1,000. The results of this experiment are expected to be released soon.

Previous UBI Experiment Results

Various cities and states in the United States have tested concepts similar to Universal Basic Income, known as Guaranteed Basic Income, focusing on individuals based on need or social status. While many of these experiments have shown positive results, they have also faced increasing scrutiny and opposition from conservatives who believe such welfare may discourage work. For example, a program in Texas was recently halted by the state's Supreme Court, blocking an initiative in the Houston area that aimed to provide $500 per month to low-income residents.

Universal Basic Compute Still a Nascent Concept

Sam Altman's concept of "universal basic compute," while not fully developed in its details, has sparked interest and debate across political spectrums. As the implementation details remain unclear, curiosity and controversy surround the future economic support systems in an increasingly automated world.