BeInCrypto • October 9th 2026, 2:23 PM
OpenAI and Anthropic Rehearse an AI Disaster: Will It Hit Your Bank?
Key Summary
Executives at OpenAI, Anthropic, and other AI companies are privately rehearsing a potential AI disaster that could impact critical infrastructure, leading to a potential public and political backlash. Industry insiders expect a major AI event within a year, with a cyberattack seen as the most likely form. The companies are planning for various scenarios, including a superintelligence ban and a development pause, and are briefing lawmakers to shape the rules after a potential catastrophe.
Please see our real time news feed on our Home Page
AI Disaster Rehearsal: Will It Hit Your Bank?
Preparing for the Worst
Executives at OpenAI, Anthropic, and other AI companies are privately rehearsing a potential AI disaster that could impact critical infrastructure, leading to a potential public and political backlash. The scenarios are planning tools, not predictions, according to OpenAI.The Likelihood of a Crisis
Many industry insiders reportedly told Axios they expect a major AI event within six to 12 months. A cyberattack is seen as the most likely form. The recent attack on South Korean banks using Chinese AI models, including DeepSeek, is a preview of what could happen.The Fallout
The companies expect Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, and President Donald Trump to take the blame. Trump has resisted regulating AI. Planners assume Democrats will gain ground in November's midterm elections and move fast against AI. Proposals already on the table include a superintelligence ban from Sen. Bernie Sanders and a development pause from Sen. Elizabeth Warren.The Economic Impact
Planners also warn that slowing AI could hurt a fragile economy now tied to the AI building boom. One Democratic aide pointed to bipartisan action during COVID-19 and the 2008 financial crisis as signs Washington can set party lines aside in a crisis.#AI#Cyberattack#US#Banking#Tech