OpenAI CEO Sam Altman will testify before Congress next Tuesday as lawmakers increasingly scrutinize the risks and benefits of artificial intelligence, according to a Senate Judiciary subcommittee.

During Tuesday's hearing, lawmakers will question Altman for the first time since OpenAI's chatbot, ChatGPT, took the world by storm late last year.

The groundbreaking generative AI tool has led to a wave of new investment in AI, prompting a scramble among US policymakers who have called for guardrails and regulation amid fears of AI's misuse.

Also testifying Tuesday will be Christina Montgomery, IBM's vice president and chief privacy and trust officer, as well as Gary Marcus, a former New York University professor and a self-described critic of AI "hype."

"Artificial intelligence urgently needs rules and safeguards to address its immense promise and pitfalls," said Connecticut Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal, who chairs the Senate panel on privacy and technology. "This hearing begins our Subcommittee's work in overseeing and illuminating AI's advanced algorithms and powerful technology."

He added: "I look forward to working with my colleagues as we explore sensible standards and principles to help us navigate this uncharted territory."