Openai's Altman advises against IPO in 2026 amid safety concerns

OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman, has stated that going public in 2026 would be 'ill-advised' due to ongoing concerns about AI safety. While the company has filed confidentially for an IPO, Altman confirmed that the move will not happen this year. In an interview with Fortune's Alyson Shontell, Altman emphasized that the company is not rushing into an IPO, citing the need to prioritize safety and societal readiness. He added that the IPO will occur when the business and the technology landscape are both prepared. The New York Times previously reported that OpenAI had initially aimed for a 2026 IPO but now leans toward 2027 due to market volatility and financial challenges. Altman reiterated that 2026 is unlikely for the IPO, as the company has 'a lot of stuff to do' before proceeding. The company's decision comes amid the fallout from the OpenAI-HuggingFace hack and broader discussions on AI safety. Altman's comments reflect a strategic shift in timing, aligning with external reports that suggest a potential delay in the IPO timeline. The company's focus remains on ensuring that the technology is developed responsibly before considering public markets.