Sam Altman outlines three possible futures for AI, calls compute monopoly ‘terrible’

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has outlined three possible scenarios for the future of artificial intelligence (AI), including an international safety watchdog, a unified research organisation and a single company dominating computing resources. He reportedly described the third scenario as “terrible”.

According to The Latin Times, which published the report on October 19, 2026, citing an internal presentation to OpenAI employees, Altman discussed different approaches to managing increasingly powerful AI systems amid growing concerns over safety, accountability and the race towards superintelligence.

International AI Safety Watchdog
The first scenario involves establishing an international oversight body modelled on the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which monitors the peaceful use of nuclear technology.

Such an organisation could inspect advanced AI systems, establish safety standards and require audits before powerful models are deployed. It could also monitor the computing infrastructure and energy resources used to develop frontier AI technologies.

The proposal reflects an idea Altman and other OpenAI leaders advocated in May 2023, when they called for an international institution to oversee the development of superintelligent AI. However, implementing the framework would require cooperation among competing technological powers, particularly the United States and China.

The ‘Demis Plan’
The second scenario, reportedly called the “Demis Plan”, draws inspiration from CERN, the European organisation that facilitates international scientific collaboration.

Named after Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis, the proposal envisions leading AI laboratories combining their research efforts under a single organisation. The approach could encourage collaboration and pool resources for advanced AI development.

Concerns Over a Computing Monopoly
The third possibility involves one company accumulating overwhelming computing power and eliminating its competitors. Altman reportedly characterised this outcome as “terrible”.

Such dominance could concentrate control over AI development within a single organisation, potentially weakening competition and limiting broader access to advanced technology.

The three scenarios highlight the growing debate over how to govern powerful AI systems while balancing innovation, safety, international cooperation and competition.