OpenAI CEO describes Bitcoin as a ‘highly rational’ advancement in technology.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has described Bitcoin (BTC) as a "super logical" advancement on the technological spectrum, emphasizing its independence from government oversight while contributing to the fight against corruption.

"I’m enthusiastic about Bitcoin,” Altman remarked to Joe Rogan during an Oct. 6 episode of The Joe Rogan Experience podcast.

“I believe this concept of having a global currency that operates outside the control of any government is a super logical and significant progression on the tech tree."

The extensive interview between Altman and Rogan addressed his views on Bitcoin as a potential world reserve currency and his apprehensions regarding central bank digital currencies (CBDCs).

Altman, who is also the founder of Worldcoin, indicated that the transition to a “technologically enabled world,” which includes Bitcoin, could aid in diminishing corruption.

Sam Altman, creator of ChatGPT, states, “#Bitcoin is a super logical and important step on the technology tree” of humanity. pic.twitter.com/2DGDzxIRrm

— Documenting ₿itcoin (@DocumentingBTC) October 7, 2023

“One observation I’ve made, which many others have noted as well, is that corruption is a significant barrier to achieving progress in society,” Altman stated.

“In a scenario where payments are no longer conducted like bags of cash but are processed digitally, and where someone can monitor those transactions—even if using Bitcoin—that could help reduce corruption,” he added.

“I believe that’s a factor that diminishes corruption.”

Conversely, Rogan shared his own positive outlook on Bitcoin, despite his skepticism towards the broader cryptocurrency sector, expressing his belief that it has the potential to evolve into a “universal viable currency.”

“The truly intriguing cryptocurrency is Bitcoin. To me, that’s the one with the highest likelihood of becoming a universal viable currency. Its supply is limited, and individuals mine it using their own [computers].”

“That aspect is very captivating. I appreciate its implementation,” Rogan added.

I disagree with Joe Rogan here. #Bitcoin won’t become a “universal, viable currency”.
It already is a universal, viable currency being utilized by millions of individuals worldwide.
pic.twitter.com/RpMIHrQMUg

— Dennis Porter (@Dennis_Porter_) October 7, 2023

However, Altman has been a longstanding advocate for Bitcoin well before this podcast appearance. In a blog post from a decade ago, he contended that a world operating on Bitcoin would be more transparent.

“A world where we all engage in transactions using Bitcoin would be significantly more transparent, and financial transparency is beneficial. It’s arguably the factor that would most effectively reduce corruption,” Altman stated.

Rogan, Altman ‘very worried’ about CBDCs, criticizes U.S. stance on crypto

Additionally, both Altman and Rogan expressed that they are “super against” CBDCs and voiced concerns about the United States potentially evolving into a surveillance state.

Rogan asserted that CBDCs could grant governments increased control over citizens’ spending habits:

“I’m very concerned about central bank digital currency being linked to a social credit score. That terrifies me. The push towards that is not for the overall benefit of society; it’s about control.”

Related: CBDC frameworks must protect user privacy, monetary freedom — BIS chief

Altman further noted that he has not been impressed with the recent actions of the U.S. government regarding the cryptocurrency sector:

“There are many aspects of the U.S. government’s recent actions that I find disappointing, particularly the war on crypto, which I see as an attempt to maintain control over this space. That’s what saddens me about the country,” he remarked.

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