Obama backs voluntary AI slowdown until government regulation arrives

Former President Barack Obama endorsed a voluntary slowdown in AI development, calling it "probably the best we can do for now" until government regulation is enacted, during a live interview at Colgate University. Obama said voluntary restraint by AI firms is not a "replacement" for regulation, adding that "government has to be regulating this." He dismissed claims that companies like OpenAI and Anthropic are slowing competition, stating they are "genuinely worried about their product," and rejected market self-regulation, citing safety standards for airlines and drug companies. Obama's stance contrasts with the Trump administration, as President Trump called the regulation push a "hoax" and Vice President JD Vance questioned firms "begging the government to regulate them." Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg also argued labs can independently ensure safe training paces.