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AI isn’t going to end humanity ... right? - podcast
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- DeepHorus
The Guardian's Full Story podcast has tackled the question of whether artificial intelligence will end humanity. In an episode published on Tuesday 15 September 2026, host Annie Kelly speaks with technology editor Robert Booth about existential threats posed by AI. The discussion follows a wave of warnings from tech figures, some of whom have resigned over their concerns.
The episode examines how worried the public should be. A series of tech leaders have cautioned that unchecked AI could lead to catastrophe. The podcast aims to separate genuine risk from hyperbole while acknowledging deep unease within the industry.
The context is striking. AI-linked stocks slid after tech bosses called for a slowdown in 'reckless' development. OpenAI's chief and Elon Musk backed calls for brakes on the technology. UK lawmakers urged Andy Burnham to support a ban on superintelligent AI after chilling warnings.
Political pressure is mounting. Donald Trump faces an AI backlash in Congress as demands for guardrails intensify. European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde said Europe must build its own AI or risk being cut off by the US or China. The debate has clearly moved from boardrooms to parliaments and central banks.
The implications are significant. The Guardian's view holds that humanity cannot outsource its survival. Tech whistleblowers warn AI could wipe out humanity; while some dismiss this as doomspeak, the episode stresses that such claims must be taken seriously.
The economic picture is mixed. The UK economy unexpectedly grew 0.4% in July, boosted by AI, illustrating the technology's potential benefits. This tension between innovation and safety lies at the heart of the podcast's exploration.
Looking ahead, the episode asks whether regulation can keep pace with development. OpenAI has urged UK lawmakers to rein in technology amid growing safety fears. The Full Story podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, RSS, and for download, offering listeners a comprehensive look at a debate that will shape the future.
