‘AI will displace human labor at large scale’: Anthropic co-founder Chris Olah warns

Chris Olah, co-founder of Anthropic, has expressed serious concerns regarding the potential for artificial intelligence (AI) to displace human jobs on an unprecedented scale. During a recent presentation marking Pope Leo XIV's first encyclical, Olah underscored the rapid evolution of AI technology and warned against allowing it to be governed solely by private enterprises. Olah posed critical questions about the implications of AI, particularly highlighting the likelihood of significant job displacement. He emphasized that if such displacement occurs, society will bear a substantial moral obligation to support those who lose their jobs. In addition to employment concerns, Olah pointed to a broader issue: AI inequality. Currently, the development of advanced AI is largely dominated by a few powerful corporations and affluent countries, which risks limiting the benefits of AI and leaving marginalized communities and developing nations without proper access. He further noted that companies like Anthropic are navigating intense commercial competition and geopolitical challenges, which can sometimes clash with the pursuit of the public good. "Every leading AI lab, including Anthropic, operates within certain incentives that may not always align with ethical considerations," he said. To ensure that AI technology is developed responsibly, Olah argued for the necessity of external oversight. He called for individuals who prioritize ethical standards and safety, who are willing to voice dissent and provide constructive criticism. Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical, titled “Magnifica Humanitas,” presented on May 25, reinforces these themes by focusing on the need to uphold human values and dignity in the face of advancing technology. The encyclical identifies AI as a significant societal challenge that could influence various aspects of life, including economics and politics. The Pope raised important questions about who will ultimately control this technology and how it will be used, also addressing concerns related to AI surveillance and the concentration of digital power.