Nvidia CEO dismisses doomsday AI extinction claims as unfounded

Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang told CBS News that the notion of artificial intelligence ending human civilization by 2030 is a “doomsday narrative” with a 0% probability of occurring. In a brief interview, the CEO dismissed the warnings as unnecessary and irresponsible, arguing that scaring the public serves no constructive purpose.

Huang’s remarks come amid a growing chorus of researchers and industry leaders who have voiced concerns about the long-term risks of advanced AI. In recent weeks, a former Anthropic researcher, Jacob Coxon, circulated on social media that AI developers believe the technology could kill humanity by the end of the decade. The claim sparked debate and prompted executives such as Anthropic’s Dario Amodei and OpenAI’s Sam Altman to call for a slowdown in the development of large language models. Huang countered that these predictions are not grounded in science and that the industry’s focus should remain on responsible deployment.

The Nvidia CEO emphasized that the company’s success is tied to the safe use of its products. “If we don’t continue to do that, our value would be diminished,” he said. Huang suggested that calls for a slowdown may be motivated by a desire to avoid liability rather than genuine safety concerns. He warned that AI firms seeking a “slow down” are actually looking to be relieved of existing regulations, not to create new ones. “Go and read between the lines,” he said, adding that this approach could undermine the legal framework designed to protect society.

Huang’s comments were made shortly after a UK summit hosted by King Charles, who urged technology leaders to keep AI in service of humanity and the natural world. The summit highlighted the existential dangers that some see in the technology, a view that contrasts with Huang’s more measured stance. In the United States, former President Donald Trump called the fears a hoax during a surprise phone call to Nvidia while the CEO was speaking at a Los Angeles tech conference.

For founders and investors, Huang’s statements underscore the importance of balancing innovation with risk management. The debate over AI safety has intensified scrutiny of how companies develop and deploy models, and it has prompted calls for clearer regulatory guidance. While the industry pushes for rapid progress, executives like Huang remind stakeholders that the long-term viability of AI hinges on responsible practices that safeguard public trust.

Looking ahead, the conversation will likely focus on how to embed safety into the design and governance of AI systems without stifling innovation. The challenge for founders will be to demonstrate that their products can be both transformative and trustworthy, a requirement that will shape funding decisions and market acceptance. Whether the industry can reconcile speed with safety remains an open question, but Nvidia’s CEO has made it clear that the narrative of imminent extinction is not a credible foundation for policy or strategy.