AI firms warn of risks to shape AI regulation

Anthropic and OpenAI CEOs are publicly warning that their advanced AI systems pose dangers to humanity and require regulation, a stance experts suggest may be strategically motivated by upcoming US midterm elections and anticipated stock market listings. The companies are advocating for independent testing and safety protocols in an unregulated market, positioning themselves as cautious leaders to attract investors and influence policy. Critics note this focus on existential risks diverts attention from current harms like AI-enabled surveillance and military use. The Trump administration has dismissed AI alarmism, while the companies propose self-selected evaluators rather than federal oversight. Analysts say this creates a competitive moat favoring large labs, potentially yielding significant financial gains for the firms and their partners.