At AI ground zero, Sam Altman tries to balance fear and FOMO - AFR

Paul Smith Technology editor Oct 3, 2026 – 5.00am In many ways, it was an awkward moment for Sam Altman to stride on to the stage in San Francisco. Yet as the crowd of artificial intelligence engineers whooped and a swarm of cute cartoon dots flashed behind him, the threats about the end of the world faded into the background. The AI show must go on. Sitting down with AFR Weekend for a post-keynote chat, the most recognisable face of the AI era betrayed no fear that his company’s invention could wreak havoc on humanity. Instead, he performed an expert balancing act – weighing earnest caution against excitement for the potential of his creation. Loading... Save Log in or Subscribe to save article Share Copy link Copied Email LinkedIn Twitter Facebook Copy link Copied Share via... Gift this article Subscribe to gift this article Gift articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe. Subscribe now Already a subscriber? Login License article Read More AI OpenAI Sam Altman Anthropic Anthony Albanese Donald Trump Trump's America AFR Weekend Perspective Paul Smith Technology editor Paul Smith edits the technology coverage and has been a leading writer on the sector for 20 years. He covers big tech, artificial intelligence, business use of tech, the fast-growing Australian tech industry and start-ups, and national innovation policy from our Sydney newsroom. Send tips to @sayssmithy.99 on encrypted messaging platform Signal. Connect with Paul on Twitter . Email Paul at psmith@afr.com Fetching latest articles