Anthropic and OpenAI executives are planning responses to a public backlash after a catastrophic AI event. They expect a large-scale cyberattack to disrupt financial services, internet or power. A first major real-world harm from unsafe AI would turn public opinion against the technology. Planning includes red-teaming worst-case scenarios and educating Congress. Industry insiders believe a major event will occur within six to twelve months. Democrats may move quickly to regulate AI after such an event. A recent attack on South Korean banks used AI tools to steal customer data. Companies assume fractured politics will complicate any regulatory response. Some proposals include banning superintelligence or pausing advanced AI development. Others propose a required kill switch for advanced AI systems.

• 6 to 12 months until a major AI incident
• 2 South Korean banks breached