I worked at Google DeepMind. You should listen to the warnings about AI
Two former Google DeepMind safety researchers have resigned, warning that rapidly advancing artificial intelligence carries a terrifying chance of causing immense harm or human extinction. Bilal Chughtai stated that he earnestly believes artificial intelligence has the potential to kill us all, adding that humanity might be running out of time to avoid this outcome. Josh Engels stated that he now thinks there is a terrifying chance that systems cause immense harm in the next five years. Both researchers left DeepMind to join organizations dedicated to artificial intelligence safety.
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- ✓ Bilal Chughtai and Josh Engels worked on Google DeepMind's artificial intelligence safety team before resigning.
- ✓ Bilal Chughtai wrote that he earnestly believes artificial intelligence has the potential to kill us all and that humanity might be running out of time to avoid this outcome.
- ✓ Josh Engels stated that there is a terrifying chance that artificial intelligence systems cause immense harm in the next five years.
What changed
Former Google DeepMind safety researchers Bilal Chughtai and Josh Engels resigned to join organizations dedicated to artificial intelligence safety.
Live updates
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Former DeepMind Researchers Warn AI Threatens Human Extinction
Two former Google DeepMind safety researchers have resigned, warning that rapidly advancing artificial intelligence carries a terrifying chance of causing immense harm or human extinction. Bilal Chughtai stated that he earnestly believes artificial intelligence has the potential to kill us all, adding that humanity might be running out of time to avoid this outcome. Josh Engels stated that he now thinks there is a terrifying chance that systems cause immense harm in the next five years. Both researchers left DeepMind to join organizations dedicated to artificial intelligence safety.
Why it matters
The resignations add to a growing list of technology industry insiders raising alarms about lack of control over advanced systems. Experts continue to debate whether slowing down development timelines or establishing strict regulatory policies can mitigate existential risks. The ongoing departures highlight internal friction at major artificial intelligence laboratories regarding safety practices and alignment research.
What is confirmed
- Bilal Chughtai and Josh Engels worked on Google DeepMind's artificial intelligence safety team before resigning.
- Bilal Chughtai wrote that he earnestly believes artificial intelligence has the potential to kill us all and that humanity might be running out of time to avoid this outcome.
- Josh Engels stated that there is a terrifying chance that artificial intelligence systems cause immense harm in the next five years.
What to watch next
- Additional departures of safety researchers from major artificial intelligence laboratories
- New regulatory proposals or safety frameworks from industry leaders and policymakers
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (7)
- nypost.com — Google DeepMind researcher quits with chilling AI warning: It could ‘kill us all’
- tech.yahoo.com — Former Google DeepMind researcher says he resigned because 'I earnestly believe that AI has the potential to kill us all'
- techxplore.com — Ex-Google worker adds to AI alarm, warns of 'potential to kill us all'
- ia.acs.org.au — AI giants 'want cartel-like policy', former OpenAI exec says
- www.theverge.com — Two Google Deepmind researchers lend voices to the AI apocalypse.
- www.theguardian.com — ‘Pacing’ won’t eliminate the risk of AI doom. Here’s what could
- www.theguardian.com — AI safety requires more than just slowing our pace
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Former Google DeepMind researchers warn of AI extinction risk
Bilal Chughtai and Alex Turner, former Google DeepMind staff, have issued warnings that artificial intelligence poses an existential threat to humanity. Chughtai resigned from the AGI safety team, stating that extinction risks are increasing because alignment work is lagging. These warnings contribute to a broader call from experts to slow AI development and implement regulation to prevent widespread harm. The researchers suggest that humanity is running out of time to mitigate these risks as the technology grows.
Why it matters
Alignment refers to the process of ensuring AI goals match human values. Failure to achieve this could lead to superintelligence that operates independently of human control. This internal dissent highlights a growing divide between AI developers and corporate leadership regarding safety.
What is confirmed
- Bilal Chughtai resigned from the Google DeepMind AGI safety team.
- Former Google DeepMind staff have warned that AI poses an existential threat to humanity.
- Experts are calling for a slowdown in AI development.
Still unconfirmed
- Humanity is running out of time to prevent AI from causing widespread harm.
- AI may kill us all.
What to watch next
- Government implementation of AI regulation
- Official response from Google DeepMind regarding alignment progress
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (7)
- theguardian.com — I worked at Google DeepMind. You should listen to the warnings about AI | Alex Turner
- Free Malaysia Today — AI’s scary growth draws global focus, but not for our politicians
- Chatham House — ‘We are at a moment of peril with AI ... The sooner [it is regulated], the better’
- Chatham House — From the Editor
- finance.yahoo.com — Google DeepMind Staffer Says AI May ‘Kill Us All’ in Exit Post
- blockonomi.com — Ex-Google DeepMind Engineer Issues Dire Warning: AI Poses Existential Threat to Humanity
- www.yahoo.com — Ex DeepMind Researcher Joins Growing Chorus Warning About Superintelligence Risk
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