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Altman Says AI Systems Cannot Be Used for Domestic Surveillance

The chief executive of OpenAI, Sam Altman, announced that the company has amended portions of its agreement with the U.S. government to explicitly prohibit the use of its artificial intelligence systems for domestic surveillance of American citizens.

Altman said the revisions were developed in coordination with the Department of War to clarify protections for civil liberties and to address concerns that advanced AI technologies could be used to monitor Americans.

According to the updated language, the AI system “shall not be intentionally used for domestic surveillance of U.S. persons or nationals.”

The clause also specifically prohibits the tracking or monitoring of Americans using commercially obtained personal data.

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AI Use Restricted by Constitutional Limits

Altman emphasized that the agreement is designed to remain consistent with major U.S. legal protections, including:

• The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution
• The National Security Act of 1947
• The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) of 1978

Under the agreement, OpenAI systems cannot be deliberately used for the surveillance or monitoring of U.S. citizens.

The language was added to prevent government agencies from using AI tools to compile or analyze commercially purchased personal information for the purpose of tracking Americans.

Altman said protecting civil liberties was a major focus of negotiations.

“It’s critical to protect the civil liberties of Americans,” Altman stated.

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Intelligence Agencies Excluded From Access

Altman also clarified that OpenAI services will not be used by U.S. intelligence agencies under the current agreement.

He specifically cited agencies such as the National Security Agency as being outside the scope of the arrangement.

Any future use by intelligence services would require a completely new modification to the contract.

This provision appears aimed at addressing fears that advanced AI could become integrated into large-scale surveillance programs.

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Government Must Remain in Control

Altman stressed that major decisions about how artificial intelligence is used in society should ultimately be made through democratic processes.

He argued that private companies should not determine the future of global AI governance.

“OpenAI should not decide the fate of the world; no private company should.”

Instead, he said AI companies must work with governments while also advocating for principles such as liberty, privacy, and individual empowerment.

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Concerns About Emerging Risks

Altman acknowledged that many aspects of artificial intelligence development remain uncertain.

He said the technology is evolving rapidly and that developers are still learning about its potential risks and limitations.

According to Altman, OpenAI will continue to use a strategy of “iterative deployment,” gradually releasing technologies while studying their real-world impact.

He also warned that AI could play a role in preventing major threats in the future, including biological or security risks.

Strategic Implications

The announcement comes amid growing global debate over the role of artificial intelligence in government and national security.

Many policymakers fear that powerful AI systems could be used for mass surveillance, while others argue that such technology is necessary to counter emerging threats.

Altman said OpenAI wants to ensure AI development remains aligned with democratic values while also preparing for potential dangers ahead.

He added that the relationship between governments and AI developers will likely become one of the most important policy challenges of the coming decade.

Conclusion

Altman’s statement represents one of the clearest commitments yet from a major AI developer regarding the limits of government use of artificial intelligence.

By explicitly banning domestic surveillance of Americans through its systems, OpenAI is attempting to reassure critics while still working closely with government agencies on emerging technological challenges.

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape global power structures, the balance between security, innovation, and civil liberties may become one of the defining debates of the modern era.

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