Why are experts sounding the alarm on AI risks?
Al Jazeera
February 15, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Experts are increasingly raising alarms about the rapid and uncontrolled development of artificial intelligence (AI), citing ethical concerns and potential dangers. Recent incidents, such as deepfakes used for scams, AI systems enabling cyberattacks, and chatbots linked to harmful behavior, have highlighted the risks associated with the technology. Prominent AI researchers and professionals from leading companies like Anthropic and OpenAI have resigned in recent months, expressing worries that the pace of technological advancement is outpacing humanity's ability to manage it safely.
The discussion around AI regulation has become more urgent as billions are invested in AI development, often without sufficient consideration for ethical implications. Critics argue that while AI holds immense potential for good, such as medical advancements, its rapid evolution also poses significant risks. These include the possibility of artificial general intelligence (AGI), a form of AI capable of critical thinking and cognitive functions on par with humans, which could potentially threaten human existence.
Recent resignations, including those from Mrinank Sharma at Anthropic and Zoe Hitzig at OpenAI, highlight growing unease among experts. Sharma left because he felt the industry was not prioritizing ethical considerations over profit, while Hitzig resigned due to concerns about OpenAI's decision to test advertisements on its ChatGPT platform, which collects sensitive user data. Similarly, two cofounders and five other staff members at Elon Musk’s xAI company have departed, though reasons were not specified.
The lack of a global framework to govern AI development is another critical issue. As the technology evolves, nations are struggling to keep up with regulations
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/15/2026