The lingering threat of AI replacing human labor is very real. Previously, it appeared that only jobs requiring technical expertise were under threat. However, it now seems that even the brilliant minds who helped conceptualize these AI systems may not be immune.
With new developments emerging in the fast-evolving AI world, Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, has fired what could be seen as the first warning shots. He envisions an early form of superintelligence that could replace even his own ilk of intelligent tech entrepreneurs.
Speaking at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, Altman also called for strict controls on rapid AI proliferation — something akin to the nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency. So, without further ado, let’s delve into Sam Altman’s prophesied AI threat to humanity.
Humans at the mercy of AI agents? Sam Altman’s frightening forecast
Altman has provided us with a two-year rough deadline within which an AI system that far surpasses the cognitive capabilities of the most intelligent human being on earth will become a reality. The OpenAI CEO believes that “data centers” will become the pillars of intellectual strength, and they can outperform CEOs of major companies. Here is the frightening part: he said it could even do a “better job” than him, so naturally the question arises: where does that leave the rest of the people?
“We may be only a couple of years away from early versions of true super intelligence. By the end of 2028, more of the world’s intellectual capacity could reside inside data centers than outside of them. A super intelligence could do a better job being CEO of a major company — certainly better than me,” he said at the AI summit.
“We’re increasingly close to what I’ve called a country of geniuses in a data center… a set of AI agents that are more capable than most humans at most things and can coordinate at superhuman speed,” he forewarned.
To stop AI from getting out of hand, Altman has stressed the need for global AI governance and highlighted risks from too much centralisation of AI power in companies or countries. He cautioned that AI must be very carefully incorporated into society, with regular public debates and discussions having the power to change and adapt global AI policies.
In the dynamic world of AI, where how people work and learn are being reshaped, the tech entrepreneur also said that the role of the human will still be crucial in interpersonal contexts, while AI will make further inroads into analytical or technical roles.
While the alarm bells have been sounded off about the danger of AI, it is still too early to predict if his warnings would actually materialize in the real world. Nevertheless, the necessary precautions mentioned by Altman should be at the forefront of our minds. It is better to err on the side of caution than be sorry.
Also Read: Judge Clears Way For Jury Trial As Elon Musk and Sam Altman’s Rivalry Intensifies
