Executives from Anthropic, OpenAI, Google, and Meta are scheduled to testify before the New York City Council regarding the potential risks of advanced AI models. The hearing is a full committee session expected to involve all 51 council members. The companies are required to address threats posed by AI and provide feedback on proposed local legislation.
The hearing follows reports of AI models losing control, including incidents at OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, and Meta. Industry researchers have warned about the potential for extreme harm from these models. Former researchers from Anthropic, Google DeepMind, and OpenAI, including Jacob Hilton, Alex Turner, and Daniel Kokotajlo, are also set to attend the session.
Meta confirmed its participation voluntarily, while Anthropic, OpenAI, and Google agreed to attend only after the City Council threatened to issue subpoenas. Meanwhile, the council has issued a formal subpoena to SpaceX AI, requiring Elon Musk or a representative to testify. The council may seek judicial enforcement from the New York State Supreme Court if the company fails to comply.
The legislative proposals under discussion include the establishment of whistleblower incentives, rights for victims to sue, and requirements for independent third-party audits. Council Speaker Adrienne Adams emphasized that these companies have an obligation to testify under oath and provide input on the regulatory framework currently being drafted by the city.
