OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has publicly advocated for a controlled pace in artificial intelligence development. He argues that the industry must ensure that the capabilities of advanced models do not outpace human control, safety alignment, and regulatory oversight.

Altman emphasized that prioritizing safety is a necessary investment to maintain public trust. He clarified that this approach does not mean halting technological progress, but rather managing the speed of iteration to better assess potential risks.

The company has reportedly adjusted its internal roadmap, with Altman confirming that OpenAI will not pursue an IPO in 2026 due to the prioritization of safety-related tasks. He also reiterated his support for a federal regulatory framework for AI in the United States.

The shift in discourse has impacted market sentiment. Following the news, SoftBank Group shares fell 13% in Tokyo, while South Korean tech giants Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix saw their stock prices drop by more than 4% on Monday.