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Former Google DeepMind researcher warns AI could ‘kill all humans’

Cyprus Mail · 2026-09-15

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: Former Google DeepMind researcher Bilal Chughtai warned that advanced AI could pose an existential threat to humanity, advocating for a slowdown in AI development to address emerging risks. • Why it matters: Chughtai's comments reflect growing concerns among AI experts about the potential catastrophic outcomes of rapid AI advancements, highlighting a divide in the tech community regarding the need for regulation and caution. • What to watch next: The ongoing debate among industry leaders and researchers about AI safety, including calls for a deceleration in AI development, and responses from figures like Elon Musk and Sam Altman, will shape future policies and practices in AI technology.

**Title: Former Google DeepMind Researcher Raises Alarm Over AI Risks**

A former researcher from Google DeepMind, Bilal Chughtai, has issued a stark warning regarding the potential dangers of artificial intelligence (AI), claiming it could lead to catastrophic outcomes for humanity. Chughtai's comments come amid a growing chorus of concerns from experts in the field about the existential threats posed by advanced AI technologies.

In a post on social media platform X, Chughtai expressed his belief that the rapid development of AI could result in dire consequences, stating, “I earnestly believe that AI has the potential to kill us all, and that we might be running out of time to avoid this outcome.” His remarks echo sentiments shared by other researchers, including Jacob Coxon, who recently resigned from Anthropic, citing fears that the very people developing AI technologies are aware of the potential for catastrophic outcomes.

Coxon’s resignation has fueled discussions within the AI community, particularly after he claimed that many in the industry believe AI could pose a lethal threat to humanity by the end of the decade. Following his comments, Anthropic scientist Evan Hubinger supported this view, asserting that he believes there is a greater than 10% chance that AI could lead to human extinction within the next ten years.

Chughtai, who worked on AI safety and alignment research at Google DeepMind until July 2026, emphasized the need for a more measured approach to AI development. He advocated for a slowdown in the race among AI companies, arguing that it is essential to coordinate efforts to address emerging risks before they escalate into severe threats. “We need to pace AI development to a speed that society can handle, where emerging risks can be addressed before extreme harm is realized,” he stated.

The urgency of these warnings has prompted responses from prominent figures in the tech industry. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei recently called for a deceleration in the pace of advanced AI development, a plea that has garnered support from notable individuals such as Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceXAI, and Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI. Their backing has sparked a broader debate about the implications of AI and the concept of "doomerism" within the community.

Despite the growing concerns among researchers and industry leaders, not everyone is convinced of the need for regulation or a slowdown in AI development. Former President Donald Trump has dismissed the warnings as a “hoax,” suggesting that the calls for regulation from the AI industry may be unfounded.

As discussions about the future of AI continue, the divide between those advocating for caution and those who view the technology as a beneficial advancement remains pronounced. The debate highlights the challenges of balancing innovation with safety, as the potential for AI to revolutionize various sectors must be weighed against the risks it poses to society.

Chughtai’s warning serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding AI development and the importance of prioritizing safety measures as the technology evolves. As AI continues to advance at a rapid pace, the need for thoughtful dialogue and collaborative efforts among researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders becomes increasingly critical to ensure that the benefits of AI are realized while minimizing potential harms.

Source: Cyprus Mail
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