The Guardian’s take on AI: Security staff departures raise concerns industry is seeking profit at all costs | editorial

HHardly a month goes by without an AI grandee warning that the technology poses an existential threat to humanity. Many of these warnings could be vague or naive. Others may be self-serving. A calm, level-headed examination is required. However, some warnings should be taken seriously.

Last week, some big-name AI security researchers came off base, warning that companies in search of profit are ignoring security and pushing risky products. In the short term, this suggests rapid “enshitification” to generate short-term revenue. Without regulation, public purpose gives way to profit. Certainly, the growing role of AI in government and daily life – as well as billionaire owners’ desire for profits – requires accountability.

The decision to use agents – chatbots – as the main consumer interface for AI was primarily commercial in nature. The appearance of conversation and reciprocity encourages deeper user interaction than a Google search bar. OpenAI researcher Zoë Hitzig has warned…