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Could AI really end humanity? Post your questions for our tech reporters now
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Recent warnings about superintelligent AI have reignited debate over whether the technology could end humanity. The Guardian is inviting readers to ask its technology reporters about the scale of these claims in a live Q&A session on Thursday at 3pm BST. The discussion comes after a week of alarming statements from industry insiders and researchers.
Anthropic reported that criminals, state-sponsored groups, spyware vendors, scientists and propagandists have attempted to use its models to design missiles and bombs, create deadly pathogens and surveil dissidents. Elon Musk separately claimed that AI could be "more dangerous than nukes." These statements have fueled concerns that the risks of advanced AI are being underestimated.
The Guardian's global technology reporter Aisha Down, global technology editor Dan Milmo, and US tech editor Blake Montgomery will answer reader questions. Blake Montgomery also writes the TechScape newsletter. The session is scheduled for 3pm BST, 4pm CEST, and 10am EDT. Readers are encouraged to post questions in the comments.
The Q&A aims to assess whether the "great AI freakout" is justified. Reporters will examine whether coverage of AI risks is fair and whether benefits are being overshadowed by scare stories. The discussion reflects a broader public anxiety about the pace of AI development.
Industry warnings carry weight because they come from those building the technology. Anthropic's report details real misuse attempts, not hypothetical scenarios. Musk's comparison to nuclear weapons suggests existential stakes. Yet some experts argue that focusing on extreme risks distracts from immediate harms like bias, disinformation, and job displacement.
The outcome of this conversation could shape how the public and policymakers view AI regulation. If the warnings are credible, stronger oversight may follow. If they are overstated, the industry may face a backlash against alarmism. The Guardian's reporters will help clarify the evidence.
Readers can join the discussion by signing up or signing in to ask questions. The live event offers a chance to separate fact from speculation. As AI capabilities grow, these questions will only become more urgent.
