OpenAI will not pursue an initial public offering this year, according to comments from chief executive Sam Altman in an interview released Saturday.

Altman pointed to safety issues surrounding artificial intelligence as the key factor. "Given everything happening with safety, right now would be an ill-advised moment to go public, and we don't feel pressure on" the company to accelerate such a move, he said.

The decision comes as artificial intelligence development continues to draw scrutiny from regulators and the public. OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT and other leading AI models, has positioned itself as a leader in the field while emphasizing responsible innovation.

Company officials have previously explored various funding options, including potential public listings, but Altman indicated that current conditions do not support that path. The firm remains focused on its core research and product development efforts amid rapid industry growth.

This stance aligns with broader discussions in the technology sector about balancing rapid advancement with risk management. OpenAI has invested significantly in safety research teams and governance structures in recent years.

Investors and market observers have watched the company closely for signs of a public debut, given its valuation and influence. Delaying the process allows additional time to address technical and ethical challenges before any listing.

Altman did not provide a specific timeline for future considerations, noting only that the present moment is not appropriate. The comments reflect the company's stated commitment to prioritizing safety protocols over immediate financial maneuvers.