Microsoft (MSFT)-backed OpenAI has held preliminary discussions with senior US officials about a proposal that would give the federal government equity stakes in major artificial intelligence companies, NOTUS reported Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter.

The talks center on the idea of firms voluntarily ceding shares to the government as a way to distribute the economic gains of AI more broadly amid rising public concern over the technology's economic and social impact.

Under the proposal, returns from government-held equity could be directed toward public purposes, potentially including dividend-style payments to American households, according to the report.

While OpenAI has engaged in discussions, one source told NOTUS Anthropic is not in talks with the administration about providing equity.

The White House, OpenAI and Anthropic did not immediately respond to MT Newswires' requests for comment.

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