OpenAI's Sam Altman admits Muslim, Arab tech workers scared of speaking up amid Gaza war

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has highlighted the challenges faced by members of the Muslim and Arab communities in the tech industry, expressing concern that individuals are hesitant to discuss their recent experiences due to fears of retaliation and potential damage to their careers.

Altman, a prominent figure in the Microsoft-backed ChatGPT project, urged the tech industry to approach these communities with empathy.

In response to a user's question about his feelings regarding the experiences of the Jewish community, Altman, who identifies as Jewish, acknowledged the significant and growing problem of antisemitism globally.

He expressed appreciation for those in the tech industry who stand up against antisemitism but noted a lack of similar support for Muslims.

Amid rising tensions since the Hamas attack on Israel, rights advocates have observed a sharp increase in both antisemitism and Islamophobia.

Altman's comments come as part of a broader conversation about the impact of the conflict on different communities.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations reported a 172% increase in incidents of Islamophobia and bias against Palestinians and Arabs in the United States, while the Anti-Defamation League noted a 337% rise in antisemitic incidents in the same period.

Altman's call for empathy underscores the need for a supportive and inclusive environment within the tech industry during these challenging times.