Sam Altman has five new principles for OpenAI: Here's what's different from the 2018 charter
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has published a new five-point principles document—its first major mission update since 2018. The framework covers democratisation, empowerment, universal prosperity, resilience, and adaptability. But the bigger story is what's missing: AGI gets barely a mention, the promise to step aside for safer rivals is gone, and firm commitments have been replaced with flexible intentions. Here's how the 2026 principles compare to OpenAI's original charter.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has published a new five-point principles document—its first major mission update since 2018. The framework covers democratisation, empowerment, universal prosperity, resilience, and adaptability. But the bigger story is what's missing: AGI gets barely a mention, the promise to step aside for safer rivals is gone, and firm commitments have been replaced with flexible intentions. Here's how the 2026 principles compare to OpenAI's original charter.
