Anthropic researcher quits over AI safety fears, warns of existential threat

In an interview with India Today, Dr. Arvind Gupta, Head of the Digital India Foundation, analyzed the global race for artificial intelligence and contrasted the technological paradigms of major world powers. Addressing China's proposal to offer open-source artificial intelligence to BRICS nations, Dr. Gupta dismissed the gesture, remarking, "There's nothing called free in technology." He outlined the core differences in national tech models, explaining that the Chinese model focuses on surveillance, the American approach centers on capitalism, and the Indian framework champions technology for development and humanity. Dr. Gupta highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's consistent push for the non-weaponization of artificial intelligence, noting that global tech giants are now acknowledging these risks. He also addressed the rapid commercial developments in Silicon Valley and the critical need to build safety guardrails.

In an interview with India Today, cognitive scientist and author Gary Marcus discussed the immediate and long-term risks surrounding artificial intelligence, calling current extinction-level warnings exaggerated while emphasizing tangible short-term threats. Marcus noted, "Right now, I think AI is probably a net negative for society," pointing out that current large language models and autonomous agents are unreliable and fundamentally unable to follow rules reliably. Addressing global governance and technology access, Marcus highlighted issues of weaponization, tech equity, and the US-China chip rivalry, arguing that nations are competing over the wrong resource rather than solving architectural limitations in AI. He proposed an FDA-style regulatory framework requiring transparent cost-benefit analyses by independent scientists before AI models are deployed, alongside technical redesigns. Marcus urged global leaders to move away from viewing AI development as a zero-sum geopolitical race and instead adopt cooperative international standards to prevent widespread cybercrime, misinformation, and economic disruption.

United States President Donald Trump has addressed concerns over the expansion of artificial intelligence and data centres, dismissing calls from tech leaders for a slowdown. Trump stated that the outburst in AI development is occurring because the US leads every other country significantly. He claimed that the only guardrail AI requires is a strong and intelligent president, asserting that his administration has restrained individuals in the AI sector from doing bad things. Furthermore, Trump highlighted the government's criminal and regulatory authority over tech companies and alleged that a conspiracy against AI and data centres primarily benefits China.

The global race to develop advanced artificial intelligence is intensifying, raising critical concerns over safety, national security, and human control. Industry leaders have cautioned that artificial intelligence is progressing faster than the safeguards required to manage it, warning of severe risks if human oversight is lost. Despite widespread awareness of potential hazards, major global powers are reluctant to halt or decelerate development due to fears of falling behind rivals in technological supremacy. International discussions at multilateral summits highlight tensions over open-source ecosystems, technological weaponisation, and access to advanced semiconductor chips. Accusations of containment and geopolitical competition have emerged, with leadership in technological power seen as vital to global dominance. As international discussions approach, governments and technology developers face fundamental questions regarding whether safeguards can keep pace with rapid innovation and whether humanity can retain control over the technology it creates.