POLICY · REGULATION · #618
American left splits over AI 'alarmism' versus present harms
On Sept. 10 the NYC Democratic Socialists of America’s Tech Action Working Group posted an Instagram carousel rejecting what it called "AI alarmism," two days after ex‑Anthropic researcher Jacob Coxon warned the industry could threaten humanity. The episode highlights a growing divide on the U.S. left between those prioritizing regulation of current AI harms and those, including Bernie Sanders supporters, who emphasize frontier AI risks and existential threats.
KEY POINTS
- 10 the NYC Democratic Socialists of America’s Tech Action Working Group posted an Instagram carousel rejecting what it called "AI alarmism," two days after ex‑Anthropic researcher Jacob Coxon warned the industry could threaten humanity.
- The episode highlights a growing divide on the U.S.
- left between those prioritizing regulation of current AI harms and those, including Bernie Sanders supporters, who emphasize frontier AI risks and existential threats.
WHY IT MATTERS
The split could shape left‑wing political messaging and influence which AI harms regulators prioritize, affecting policy and alliances.