Anthropic and OpenAI push for AI regulation as they warn of existential risks

Anthropic and OpenAI CEOs are publicly warning that advanced AI systems pose dangers to humanity and require regulation, raising questions about their motives ahead of U.S. midterm elections and potential stock market listings. Experts suggest the companies aim to shape safety standards and gain public favor. The firms advocate for independent testing and self-imposed auditing parameters, positioning themselves as cautious market leaders in an unregulated field. Critics note this focus on existential risks diverts attention from current harms like AI-enabled surveillance, hacking incidents, and military use, while potentially creating barriers for smaller competitors. President Donald Trump has dismissed AI risk warnings as a "HOAX," and his administration has shown little interest in new regulations. Meanwhile, some former employees and safety advocates argue the companies' rhetoric dissipates political will for meaningful oversight, as leading labs continue advancing powerful systems without universal testing standards.