Exhibitor login
Techcrunch 09 September 2026

Researcher Leaves Anthropic Due to Fear of AI Extinction

Researcher Leaves Anthropic Due to Fear of AI Extinction

Jacob Coxon, a researcher at Anthropic, has resigned out of concern for the potential dangers of self-improving artificial intelligence. His departure stems from fears about the consequences these technologies may have for humanity and raises questions about the responsibilities of AI developers.

Coxon advocates for so-called pacing agreements between AI laboratories. These agreements should serve as a way to regulate the development of potentially dangerous AI systems and minimize risks to society. He emphasizes that it is crucial to carefully monitor and control advancements in AI to reduce the likelihood of an AI threat.

The concerns expressed by Coxon are not unique; there is growing apprehension within the tech industry about the necessity of ethical guidelines and responsibilities in the development of AI technologies. The debate around the risks of self-improving AI is pervasive, especially as the technology rapidly evolves and becomes increasingly accessible to businesses and organizations worldwide.

These developments underscore the need for a collective approach within the sector. Coxon's departure can be seen as a call to other researchers and companies to take the potential risks of AI seriously and collaborate in creating a safer future for all.

Read the full article from Techcrunch.