AI Researchers Warn of Human Extinction Risk Amid Growing Concerns

A former Google DeepMind researcher has added to growing concerns over AI's potential to cause human extinction, warning that 'time could be running out' to prevent such an outcome.

Bilal Chughtai, who left his position at Google DeepMind in July 2026, stated on X that he believes AI has the potential to 'kill all humans' if not properly regulated and developed cautiously. This warning comes after Anthropic researcher Jacob Coxon resigned due to concerns about the speed of advanced AI development.

Coxon had said that researchers 'earnestly believe it could kill us all by the end of the decade,' while Anthropic scientist Evan Hubinger estimated a greater than 10% chance of human extinction within the next decade. Industry leaders like Elon Musk and Sam Altman have supported calls for a slowdown in AI development, with Amodei stating that AI companies need to pace their development to ensure safety mechanisms can keep pace.

Chughtai also emphasized the importance of coordination among AI companies to avoid a 'manic race' between them. In contrast, President Donald Trump dismissed the warnings as a 'hoax.'