A group of activists staged an unusual protest outside the offices of Anthropic, the AI research company co-founded by former OpenAI researchers.
The demonstrators have embarked on a hunger strike, drawing attention to their concerns about the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential societal impact.
The protesters argue that the relentless pursuit of increasingly powerful AI, particularly general artificial intelligence (AGI), is already causing harm to society and could lead to catastrophic consequences. They assert that the unchecked race for AI supremacy threatens not only human well-being but also the very existence of humanity. Their demands are clear: Anthropic and other tech firms must halt the “AI arms race,” openly acknowledge the risks involved, and shift focus toward mitigating the damage already inflicted.
Carrying signs and distributing pamphlets, the activists highlighted specific worries, including job displacement, ethical dilemmas, and the existential risks posed by AGI. They called for transparency, urging companies to educate the public about the potential downsides rather than prioritizing innovation without safeguards. The hunger strike, a dramatic escalation, underscores their urgency, with participants vowing to continue until their demands are addressed.
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Anthropic has yet to issue an official response, but the protest has reignited debates about the ethical boundaries of AI development.
While some support the activists’ call for caution, others argue that such measures could stifle technological progress. As the demonstration persists, it places growing pressure on Anthropic and the broader AI industry to confront these concerns head-on.
