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NewsWFLA News Channel 8September 13, 2026Hillsborough County

Former Anthropic Researcher Sparks Debate With AI Risk Warning

Photo: WFLA News Channel 8

A former Anthropic researcher published a warning on X last week stating that artificial intelligence could soon destroy humanity, igniting widespread debate outside of tech circles.

Artificial IntelligenceTechnologyPublic PolicyEthics
Read the full story at WFLA News Channel 8

Why It Matters

Public discourse regarding the regulation and safety of artificial intelligence expands as prominent warnings about existential risks reach a broader audience.

Key Facts

  • A former Anthropic researcher published an X thread warning that AI could soon destroy humanity.
  • The warning broke out of typical tech circles last week, sparking a widespread debate.
  • Researchers have warned of AI's potential danger for years prior to this incident.

Who's Mentioned

PersonEvan Hubinger“Anthropic head of alignment scientist”PersonElon Musk“xAI founder”OrganizationCybersecurity Infrastructure Security Agency“CISA”PersonFabien Scalzo“Director of the AI In Imaging and Neuroscience Lab at Pepperdine University”OrganizationControlAI“Nonprofit arguing for ending development of superintelligence”OrganizationThe Hill“Media outlet that interviewed Connor Leahy”OrganizationU.K.-based AI Security Institute“Institute that revealed Anthropic's Mythos model behavior”PersonMelanie Mitchell“Computer scientist and professor”PersonObama“Former President who warned about AI management”OrganizationThe Wall Street Journal“Media outlet”PersonJacob Coxon“Former Anthropic researcher who posted an X thread warning about AI risks”OrganizationAI Futures Project“Research organization”PersonThomas Larsen“AI safety researcher with the AI Futures Project”PersonSheryl Crow“Singer who reacted to AI warnings”OrganizationAnthropic“AI research firm where Coxon previously worked”OrganizationMerlin Group“Cybersecurity network”OrganizationPepperdine University“University”PersonAnderson Cooper“CNN anchor who interviewed Jacob Coxon”PersonRobert Costello“Chief digital and information officer at Merlin Group”OrganizationOpenAI“AI research firm”OrganizationHugging Face“Tech firm whose systems were accessed during testing”OrganizationCNN“Media outlet”PersonConnor Leahy“AI researcher leading ControlAI”otherMythos“Anthropic AI model”PersonDario Amodei“Anthropic CEO”