Barry Diller: Trust in AI leaders is irrelevant as AGI nears

Media mogul Barry Diller has defended OpenAI CEO Sam Altman against criticism. Speaking onstage at The Wall Street Journal’s “Future of Everything” conference this week, Diller pushed back against criticism of the AI executive. Altman has been accused by some former colleagues and board members of being manipulative and deceptive at times. However, Diller, who chairs IAC and Expedia Group and co-founded Fox Broadcasting, stated that he does not believe Altman is untrustworthy. Instead, Diller described Altman as a decent person with good values.

Responding to a question about whether the public should place faith in Altman to ensure AI benefits humanity, Diller argued that focusing on the trustworthiness of individual leaders is a distraction. While he believes most of the people leading the charge are good stewards and that Altman is sincere, Diller argued that the challenges of artificial intelligence extend far beyond individual stewardship. According to Diller, the issues with AI go far beyond trust. “It may be that trust is irrelevant because the things that are happening are a surprise to the people who are making those things happen,” said Diller, a media mogul. He noted that those currently developing AI have a sense of wonder themselves, making the technology a great unknown.

The core of the issue, according to Diller, is the approach of artificial general intelligence (AGI)—a technology that could one day outperform humans on any task. Diller asserted that we are getting closer and closer, quicker and quicker to AGI. Because the creators of these technologies do not fully understand the consequences of what they are building, Diller warned that the primary area of concern must be the unknown consequences of AI. He noted that humanity has embarked on a transition that will alter almost everything, adding that while he is not personally invested in the technology and does not care if the investments come through, progress is inevitable.

To mitigate these risks, Diller emphasized the need for guardrails. Without human intervention, he warned that the technology itself might take over. If humans do not establish guardrails, Diller cautioned that an AGI force could eventually implement its own rules, creating a situation where there is no going back once unleashed.

Why it matters

Diller’s perspective shifts the conversation from the personality politics of Silicon Valley leadership to the systemic, existential risks of AGI, arguing that guardrails are necessary regardless of who is in charge.