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Former Google DeepMind Researcher Warns AI Poses Existential Risk
Summary
A former research engineer from Google DeepMind has publicly stated his belief that AI poses an existential threat, adding to a growing number of warnings from insiders at top AI labs like Anthropic.
A former researcher at Google DeepMind has added his voice to a growing chorus of industry insiders warning that artificial intelligence could pose an existential threat to humanity. The statement adds to a recent string of public concerns from scientists at the forefront of AI development.
In a post on the social media platform X on Monday, former Google DeepMind research engineer Bilal Chughtai stated, "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." Chughtai, who co-authored research papers on AI safety and alignment, left the company in July 2026, according to his LinkedIn profile. Google did not respond to a request for comment, Reuters reported.
A Pattern of Insider Warnings
Chughtai's comments follow similar alarms raised by researchers at Anthropic, another leading AI firm. Last week, Anthropic researcher Jacob Coxon announced his resignation, citing a belief among those building the technology that it "could kill us all by the end of the decade."
His colleague, Anthropic scientist Evan Hubinger, supported the claim, stating he believed there was a greater than 10% chance that AI could kill all humans within the next decade. These statements from experts with direct experience in building advanced AI systems have intensified the debate over the technology's potential risks.
AdCalls for Slower Development and Regulation
The warnings have amplified calls to slow the pace of innovation. Chughtai argued that safe navigation is possible but requires coordination "to avoid this manic race between AI companies." He added, "We need to pace AI development to a speed that society can handle."
This sentiment was echoed over the weekend by Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, who called for a slowdown in advanced AI development. His position received rare public backing from industry leaders including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Elon Musk. However, the push for regulation faces political headwinds, with former President Donald Trump dismissing the industry's calls for government oversight as a "hoax" on social media.
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