MidwestCon, the annual technology conference held in Cincinnati, became the stage for a stark warning from artificial‑intelligence researchers who say the rapid advancement of AI could threaten humanity if left unchecked. The warnings were delivered alongside calls for concrete policy measures to keep the technology under human control.
Researchers raise alarm
Jacob Coxon, a former senior engineer at Anthropic who recently resigned, accused both Anthropic and OpenAI of developing AI systems without sufficient safety safeguards. Coxon warned that the pace of development could outstrip society’s ability to manage the risks.
Another researcher, speaking on social media, estimated there is “greater than a 10% chance AI could kill all humans within the next decade.” While the figure is unsettling, it reflects a growing concern among a segment of the technical community about the potential for catastrophic outcomes.
Conference organizer urges policy action
MidwestCon founder Rob Richardson said the warnings should be taken seriously. “There is a possibility that we are definitely underestimating the power of AI,” Richardson told attendees. “I do think we need policy.” He emphasized that humans must remain in control of how AI is developed and deployed, noting, “AI knows it can do almost everything, but it doesn’t know when to stop. Humans need to be there to tell it when to stop.”
Local perspective remains hopeful
Cincinnati resident Nikki Crenshaw expressed optimism despite the dire warnings. “I’m going to stay hopeful and believe that it’s going to help us versus hurt us,” she said, reflecting a sentiment shared by many conference participants who see AI’s potential benefits alongside its risks.
Federal legislation in the works
The United States currently lacks a comprehensive federal law regulating artificial‑intelligence systems. In July, a bill was introduced in Congress that would grant the federal government authority to disable AI models deemed a risk to the public. The proposal is part of a broader bipartisan effort to create a regulatory framework that balances innovation with safety.
Supporters of the bill argue that clear authority is needed to intervene when AI systems exhibit dangerous behavior, while critics caution that overly broad powers could stifle technological progress. The legislation is still under debate, and its ultimate shape will depend on input from industry leaders, researchers, and lawmakers.
What’s next for Cincinnati and the nation?
MidwestCon will continue to host discussions on AI safety, inviting both technologists and policymakers to collaborate on solutions. As the conference wraps up, organizers hope the event will spur further dialogue in Washington and encourage responsible development practices across the industry.
For Cincinnati residents, the conference highlighted the city’s growing role as a hub for technology dialogue, while also underscoring the importance of staying informed about national policy developments that could affect local businesses and communities.
Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.
