Controlai's connor leahy warns against superintelligence development

On September 9, 2026, Connor Leahy, U.S. Executive Director of ControlAI, emphasized the risks of developing superintelligent AI, arguing that it is not a weapon but an adversary. In an episode of TechCrunch’s Equity podcast, Leahy discussed the growing concerns over AI safety, citing recent incidents like OpenAI’s Hugging Face breach as evidence of the dangers of deploying AI systems more capable than humans. He called for a radical approach to AI safety, advocating for a complete halt to the development of superintelligence. Leahy stated that the risks have become too great to manage through alignment and containment alone. His views align with a wave of new legislation aimed at regulating AI development. The episode highlights the urgent need for a more proactive stance on AI safety, as the industry grapples with the potential consequences of unchecked technological advancement. Leahy, an AI researcher and entrepreneur, joined Rebecca Bellan, a senior reporter at TechCrunch, to discuss these issues. The conversation underscored the increasing regulatory focus on AI, with Leahy suggesting that what was once considered far-fetched is now gaining legislative support. The discussion also touched on the broader implications of AI development, emphasizing the necessity of a more cautious and controlled approach to prevent potential harm.