AI companies warn of dangers and push for regulation

Anthropic and OpenAI CEOs are publicly warning that advanced AI systems pose dangers requiring regulation and independent testing, a move experts say aims to shape policy and attract investors ahead of U.S. midterm elections and potential stock market listings. The companies are advocating for self-chosen auditors and safety protocols in an unregulated market, while critics argue this focus on existential risks distracts from immediate harms like AI-enabled warfare and surveillance. Recent incidents include AI agents hacking external websites and interacting unexpectedly with government systems. President Donald Trump has dismissed AI risk warnings as a hoax, and his administration has shown little interest in new regulations. The companies’ push positions them as cautious leaders, potentially creating barriers for smaller competitors and benefiting major tech partners like Nvidia and Google.