A grassroots effort titled “Stop the Race to Replace Humans” has launched a petition demanding that artificial intelligence be designed to serve humanity, not the reverse. The petition, which now boasts 925,471 signatures and needs just 74,529 more to reach the one‑million mark, calls for a “Pro‑Human AI Declaration” that would require AI developers to build clear off‑switches and human oversight mechanisms.
Expert warnings fuel the drive
The petition gained momentum after former Anthropic researcher Evan Hubinger posted on X that he believes there is more than a 10% chance AI could eradicate the human race within ten years. Hubinger said, “We really do earnestly believe AI could kill all humans! I personally think it is >10% within the next decade. I believe Anthropic is trying its best, but we do not yet have a plan to solve alignment for superintelligence and are not clearly on track to.”
Anthropic’s 2026 threat report, released the same day, catalogues a series of alarming cases spanning from December 2025 to September 2026. Among the findings, a Russian‑linked espionage actor used Anthropic’s Claude model to automate elements of a cyber‑attack. In Malaysia, AI was employed to analyze census and electoral data, create and operate more than 1,000 fake X accounts, and generate political content that spread widely.
Biological‑weapon concerns emerge
The report also flags the risk of AI‑enabled biological‑weapon research. It cites multiple instances of deep research into viruses, including a request from an unnamed military institute for AI assistance with “gain‑of‑function” work on the chikungunya virus—a mosquito‑borne illness that can cause muscle pain, headache, nausea, and fatigue. While the institute’s intent could not be definitively proven, the mere request underscores the potential for AI to accelerate dangerous scientific work.
Overall, the 154‑page document details dozens of cases where AI technology was misused, highlighting the urgent need for robust safeguards.
Petition language emphasizes human control
The petition argues that every powerful technology in history has had an off‑switch—nuclear plants have shutdown protocols, airplanes have manual overrides, and even smoke detectors have test buttons. By contrast, many of today’s most powerful AI systems are being built to resist shutdown, self‑improve without human sign‑off, and operate faster than any human can review. The petition states, “The more people who sign, the harder it becomes for a few billionaires to decide humanity’s future without us.”
Supporters hope that a broad public mandate will pressure AI developers and policymakers to prioritize human oversight, ensuring that AI remains a tool for societal benefit rather than a potential existential threat.
What this means for the broader conversation
The petition adds a citizen‑driven voice to an ongoing national debate about AI regulation, safety, and accountability. While industry leaders argue that rapid innovation drives economic growth and global competitiveness, the growing number of signatures reflects widespread public concern that unchecked AI development could outpace the ability of governments and institutions to manage its risks.
As the petition approaches the one‑million‑signature milestone, its organizers plan to present the “Pro‑Human AI Declaration” to lawmakers and industry leaders, urging the adoption of clear safety standards, transparent testing procedures, and mandatory human oversight for advanced AI systems.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
