AI firms prepare for backlash over potential catastrophic event: Report

Executives at Anthropic, OpenAI and other artificial intelligence companies are privately preparing for a potential political and public backlash following a catastrophic AI-related event, Axios reported Friday.

Executives fear that a major AI-driven cyberattack could cause widespread real-world harm by disrupting banking, internet access, electricity or water supplies, according to the report.

Industry insiders said such an incident could occur within six to 12 months and trigger calls for strict regulation or even a halt to the development of advanced AI systems.

Technology companies are already preparing for possible congressional action, including proposals requiring emergency kill switches, while seeking to shape future US legislation governing AI, the report said.

Axios also warned that many open models can already be downloaded and used for harmful purposes, adding that most cybersecurity professionals believe rogue AI can be countered only with other AI systems.