The shift would represent a significant change in strategy for the prominent AI lab, which has been at the forefront of the industry's rapid expansion.
The proposed deceleration is intended to be a collaborative effort, with Altman expressing hope that other major AI labs will join OpenAI in moderating their development speed.
This move highlights a growing concern regarding the pace of progress in the sector.
By coordinating with competitors, the company could establish a more controlled environment for the deployment of powerful new models, though Altman noted that some rival firms may not agree to such an arrangement.
While the specific business or technical mechanisms for this slowdown were not disclosed, the decision could affect the timeline for future product releases and industry-wide benchmarks.
The discussions remain private, and it is unclear how this internal consideration will translate into official policy.
Currently, the proposal serves as a signal that OpenAI is weighing the risks of rapid innovation against the stability of the broader AI ecosystem.