Sam Altman says some companies are ‘AI washing’ by blaming unrelated layoffs on the technology — but admits things may get worse soon (www.techradar.com)

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, recently addressed the phenomenon of "AI washing," where companies attribute layoffs to AI advancements when many of these cuts may have been inevitable. In an interview with CNBC-TV18, Altman emphasized that while AI is reshaping the job market, it shouldn't be scapegoated for all workforce reductions. He acknowledged that the transition to an AI-driven era will likely lead to the displacement of certain jobs but reassured that new employment opportunities will arise as the economy adapts to these technological changes. With over 92,000 tech workers laid off in 2026 alone, a significant number of these layoffs have been linked to AI-driven efficiency and shifts in company strategy. Altman believes that as AI adoption matures, its true impact on jobs will become clearer. He pointed out the potential for economic enrichment through AI, suggesting that while certain job categories may vanish, society will also innovate and create new roles, fostering a positive net effect on the labor market overall. His comments reflect a broader narrative in the AI/ML community about balancing the disruptive nature of technology with the optimism surrounding new possibilities it presents.