Sam Altman Adopts ‘Ram Altman’ Persona Amid Online Backlash

Altman said it was bad for individual users to have RAM—random access memory, a computer’s high-speed, short-term memory—on their own computers rather than in a data center. Critics, including longtime foe Elon Musk, argued that he sounded like an AI executive urging individuals to put the interests of technology companies first. Those companies want much of the limited RAM supply for data centers.

An X user suggested the “Ram Altman” name. Altman changed his display name and said his remark had been taken out of context, according to IGN. “I have been arguing for the world to ramp up memory production for a long time,” he wrote.

The exchange comes as data centers have become a contentious issue in American politics. Voters in at least 38 jurisdictions passed bans or major restrictions on data centers on Tuesday, according to The Washington Post. Altman’s replies also drew memes and jokes at his expense.