Calls for AI Safeguards Grow as Anthropic Uncovers Cyber, Surveillance and Biological Threats

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Many want to believe that artificial intelligence (AI) can improve the quality of human life by helping industries become more efficient and develop better products and services. Unfortunately, as with most things in life, good also comes with the bad, and that seems to be the case with AI. That is why several AI researchers and even government leaders are speaking out about the importance of implementing guardrails for AI for moral and ethical reasons, as well as for humanity's safety.

Hacking had Potential to Lead to Biological Weapons

Anthropic is one company that has been in the news lately due to attempted hacking by those with questionable, and perhaps even malicious, intent. Last week, it admitted via a report that it stopped individuals from using its chatbot, Claude, for cyberattacks, surveillance and research that could have led to biological weapons, according to WNG. 

One specific example of possible biological weapons research it stopped involved avian influenza, or bird flu. The researcher was interested in learning how the virus can be adapted to affect mammals, according to Anthropic's report. 

The report notes that the incidents of misuse or malicious intent that it’s releasing aren't typical, “but rather examples of the most notable and novel threat activity we've identified to date. We're publishing this work because we believe we have a responsibility to disclose malicious misuse of our services. As models become increasingly capable, their risks will increase, unless AI developers and society's defenders act to make them safer.” 

The types of individuals or groups the report highlights include “suspected state-sponsored groups, financially motivated criminals, commercial spyware vendors, state propaganda institutions, and politically motivated individuals. The cases range from a network of fake dating apps designed to defraud users to surveillance systems built to identify and monitor dissidents.”

Anthropic Employees Deeply Concerned about AI Threats to Humanity

One Anthropic employee, Jacob Coxon, was so deeply concerned about AI threats to humanity that he quit his job. In an X post , Coxen railed on cutting-edge AI companies in general, stating that they are being irresponsible in their efforts to be the most recognized for their AI advancements. Coxen went on to note that at the current rate, AI could hack into any system and take over any field within the next five years, according to WNG.

Coxon isn’t the only AI researcher at Anthropic who has resigned his position out of deep concern. Joe Benton and Josh Engels also left Anthropic due to concerns about the rapid growth of AI and the immediate need for guardrails, according to NBC News. However, Engles does not appear to have much hope of that happening, with him telling the outlet that "there are no adults in the room" and "people are trying their best, but there is no one coming to save us."

What Federal Leaders are Saying about AI Advancements

As this type of information makes its way across the desks of some DC officials, they are calling on President Trump to hold a classified briefing for all lawmakers. They want details regarding the depth of AI’s potential threat to humanity.

While many are sounding the alarm about AI and the need to implement some form of guardrails, Trump feels otherwise. In a post on Truth Social, he called the entire thing a "Hoax." In a follow-up post, he wrote, "The people who say AI is going to destroy the World, and that Data Centers are bad for your neighborhood, are the same people who said, just a short time ago, that the World would be extinguished by "Climate Change.'"

Instead, Trump believes that AI needs very minimal regulation. In yet another Truth Social post, he added that "the only control or '"guardrails'" that AI needs is a STRONG and SMART (High IQ!) PRESIDENT, and the U.S.A. has that, in spades!"

AI.gov states that "the United States is in a race to achieve global dominance in artificial intelligence" and that "whoever has the largest AI ecosystem will set the global standards and reap economic and security benefits."

Senator Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) released a statement last week about the need for guardrails and security concerning the rapid development of artificial intelligence, according to The Hill.

“The American people deserve better from their government at such a consequential moment. I have long argued that we must keep the U.S. as the global leader in AI innovation and security. But that innovation must be coupled with serious guardrails that earn the trust of the American public,” Schumer said.

Schumer, in his statement, accused the Trump administration of "looking the other way" as this most recent information about AI has become known, vowing that even if the White House does nothing, Congress will. 

Even Britain’s King Charles has insisted that steps need to be taken to rein in AI before it’s “too late,” according to U.S. News.

Charles held a private AI summit at Dumfries House in Scotland last week. Approximately 30 technology executives, policymakers, and ethics researchers were present, according to Cryptobriefing.

“Those who have created these technologies are now increasingly warning that AI risks developing darker capacities - perhaps even to take life," he said during the summit.

Adding, "In this regard, if I may say so, there seems urgency in adequately considering the existential dangers of such technologies falling into the wrong hands, and being used in potentially catastrophic ways,” 

 “The task before you is not to advance technology, but to ensure that it remains firmly in the service of humanity, community, and the natural world," Charles told attendees.

Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/hirun

Elizabeth Delaney has been a freelance content writer for over 20 years and has enjoyed having her prose published in both the non-fiction and fiction markets. She has written various types of content, including Christian articles, healthy lifestyle, blog posts, business topics, news articles, product descriptions, and some fiction. She is also a singer-songwriter-musician. When she is not busy with writing or music, she enjoys spending time with friends or family and doing fun social activities such as hiking, swing dancing, concerts, and other activities.