Opinion

AI could go rogue. Washington needs answers to these five questions ASAP

It may seem like there’s no way out of this mess, but urgently answering these five questions could help put America's anxieties to rest

By Nikhil Dhingra Fox News

Published October 19, 2026 5:00am EDT

Comments Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Print Email Add Fox News on Google

close

Video

President Donald Trump hosts tech titans to discuss the future of artificial intelligence

'America Reports' co-anchors John Roberts and Sandra Smith discuss President Donald Trump hosting top tech leaders to discuss the future of artificial intelligence.

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Since Jacob Coxon’s posts in September, Americans have grappled with AI risk. Last month, a POLITICO poll found 63% of Americans see at least a moderate risk that AI could destroy humanity. With lawmakers split, the public is rightly concerned: What happens if AI goes rogue? How do we prepare? Am I at risk?

Every American already lives with decisions made by AI, from loan approvals to job applications. Yet Washington’s response has been disjointed: Some in Congress propose a select committee on AI, some in industry want antitrust rules waived, so labs can coordinate on safety, and the White House drafted a charter for its "Super Intelligence Force."

It may seem like there’s no way out of this mess, but urgently answering five questions would put these anxieties to rest.

1. What risks are worth regulating?

Too narrow a definition of risk could miss the harms ordinary people face, while too broad a definition could bury every AI product in red tape. Depending on who you ask, risks range from economic disruption to mass casualties to extinction. California's SB 53 sets the bar at a "foreseeable and material risk" of more than 50 deaths or serious injuries, or $1 billion in damage. New York's RAISE Act doubles SB 53’s casualty threshold from 50 to 100, but focuses on instances where a developer "caused or materially enabled" covered damages during the development process.

AI EXTINCTION WARNINGS DOMINATE HEADLINES AFTER EX-ANTHROPIC EMPLOYEE'S VIRAL........

© Fox News