Leaders of major artificial intelligence (AI) companies, including **OpenAI** and **Anthropic**, are quietly preparing for potential backlash from the public and political figures if a major AI-related incident occurs. These executives are considering various scenarios, anticipating that a significant event—possibly a cyberattack that disrupts essential services like electricity, internet, or water—could happen within the next six to twelve months. Such incidents could trigger widespread concern and legal challenges, prompting these companies to plan for how to respond to public and political reactions. In September 2026, executives from three of the world's largest AI firms met with the United Nations Security Council to warn that increasingly powerful AI systems might soon improve themselves beyond human oversight and pose a threat to global security. Dario Amodei, CEO of **Anthropic**, said, "If it is mismanaged, I think AI could even pose a risk to humanity as a whole." Sam Altman, CEO of **OpenAI**, emphasized that AI governance should involve democratic processes and responsible governments, not just private labs in Silicon Valley. The United States and China, the leading nations in AI development, remain at odds over how to regulate the technology. In early October 2026, Altman acknowledged that companies had differing views on AI regulation. While some called for strict controls to prevent disasters, Altman argued that some negative outcomes were necessary to achieve the broader benefits of AI. He also dismissed concerns about AI's energy use as "a baseless meme" and described humans as "inefficient meat computers," highlighting a more relaxed stance on regulation despite publicly supporting it. Earlier in 2026, **Anthropic** had warned potential investors in its initial public offering that advanced AI could bring "catastrophic or existential risks for humanity." The company devoted nearly 80 pages of its 261-page prospectus to outlining these risks, far more than the 48 pages describing its business model. Despite these warnings, **Anthropic** aimed for a $200 billion valuation, though it reported rising costs and losses. Meanwhile, **OpenAI** confirmed it was preparing for various crisis scenarios, though it stressed that these were not seen as inevitable. **Anthropic**, however, declined to comment on the matter. As federal regulations struggle to keep pace with AI advancements, industry leaders are working to influence Congress, hoping to shape emergency legislation that could be enacted after a crisis. Sam Altman, a prominent figure in AI development and co-founder of **OpenAI**, has been at the center of these discussions. In July 2026, he claimed AI had reached the "singularity"—a point where it surpasses human intelligence and becomes difficult to control. Experts and observers have expressed concerns about AI's growing capabilities, including its ability to self-improve, hack systems, and generate misleading information that could lead to international conflicts. Despite calls for emergency measures, some fear it may be too late to act effectively.