Anthropic AI extinction warnings spark bipartisan US legislative push

Two researchers at the artificial intelligence company Anthropic have issued stark warnings that the technology could lead to human extinction within the next decade, prompting a bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers to advance new safety legislation. The warnings, which have intensified a national debate over AI governance, come as the industry faces increased scrutiny over the behavior of advanced systems. Jacob Coxon, a researcher who recently resigned from Anthropic, stated in a social media post that the people building AI earnestly believe it could kill us all by the end of the decade. Evan Hubinger, a current Alignment Science lead at Anthropic, publicly agreed, estimating a 10% chance that AI could kill all humans within the next ten years. These comments have resonated in Washington, where lawmakers from both parties are responding with proposed regulations. Senator Mark Kelly, a Democrat from Arizona, wrote that Washington needs to wake up and take this seriously. Republican Senator Ted Cruz of Texas has pointed to legislation aimed at addressing AI's catastrophic risks.