OpenAI’s Altman Endorses Bitcoin, Slams US “War on Crypto”

During an episode of The Joe Rogan Experience podcast on Oct. 6, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman voiced his enthusiasm for Bitcoin, describing it as a “super logical” technological progression that operates beyond government regulation and has the potential to combat corruption.

Altman shared with Joe Rogan, “The notion of having a universal currency that remains independent of any governmental influence feels like an incredibly rational and crucial technological evolution.”

Throughout the discussion, Altman touched upon various topics, including Bitcoin’s potential as a global reserve currency and his apprehensions regarding central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). As the founder of Worldcoin, Altman believes that our transition towards a tech-driven world, especially with platforms like Bitcoin, could significantly diminish corrupt practices.

Corruption, according to Altman, stands as a considerable barrier to societal progression. He expressed, “In a scenario where transactions shift from physical cash handovers to digital channels, even ones involving Bitcoin, monitoring transactional flow becomes feasible.” He believes this could be instrumental in reducing corruption.

Rogan, on the other hand, voiced his belief in Bitcoin’s potential to emerge as a universally accepted currency, albeit maintaining a skeptical view of the broader crypto sphere. He stated, “Out of all the cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin intrigues me the most due to its potential to evolve as a universally adopted currency. Its limited quantity and decentralized mining approach make it truly captivating.”

Reflecting on a decade-old blog post, Altman reiterated his belief in Bitcoin’s power to foster transparency. He noted, “A world that largely depends on Bitcoin transactions promises greater transparency, a change that could significantly curb corruption.”

The podcast also shed light on both Altman and Rogan’s concerns regarding CBDCs, emphasizing the potential risks associated with their widespread adoption. Rogan voiced his apprehensions about CBDCs granting governments increased control over citizen expenditures, saying, “The notion of CBDCs integrated with social credit scores genuinely unnerves me. It doesn’t seem to be a move for societal benefit but rather an attempt at heightened control.”

Altman chimed in, expressing his discontent with the U.S. government’s recent approach to the cryptocurrency industry. He commented, “Of all the actions the U.S. government has recently undertaken, its aggressive stance on cryptocurrencies is particularly disheartening. This feels like an attempt to impose control, and it saddens me.”