Tech leaders, right-wing figures unite in call to halt superintelligent AI development

WEB DESK: A group of prominent figures from politics, media, and technology has urged a global halt on the development of superintelligent artificial intelligence, warning that humanity may not yet be ready to manage its risks.

The joint statement, organised by the non-profit Future of Life Institute, calls for a ban on creating AI systems that surpass human intelligence until scientists find a safe path forward and the public supports such advancements.

Among the signatories are right-wing US commentators Steve Bannon and Glenn Beck, as well as leading AI researchers Geoffrey Hinton and Yoshua Bengio, both of whom have been vocal about the dangers of uncontrolled AI growth.

The Future of Life Institute, founded in 2014, has long been a prominent voice in the debate over artificial intelligence safety. It was supported early on by Tesla CEO Elon Musk and software developer and investor Jaan Tallinn.

While many tech leaders and US policymakers have dismissed calls for an AI pause, arguing that excessive caution could stifle innovation and economic growth, the involvement of figures like Bannon and Beck highlights a rare moment of alignment between the populist right and the scientific community. Their backing signals growing concern across ideological lines about the potential threats of AI surpassing human control.

Other signatories include Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, former Irish President Mary Robinson, and Virgin Group founder Richard Branson.

Steve Bannon and Glenn Beck did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The statement adds to a series of recent efforts by the Future of Life Institute to push for global cooperation in ensuring that AI systems remain transparent, controllable, and aligned with human values before advancing further.