AI executives reportedly prepare for backlash over a possible catastrophic AI event

Axios reports executives at OpenAI, Anthropic and other AI companies are preparing for public and political backlash after a possible catastrophic AI event. It says many industry insiders expect a major incident within six to 12 months of October 2026, most likely a cyberattack disrupting banking, internet access, power or water. OpenAI confirmed it runs preparedness exercises but said it does not treat those scenarios as inevitable; Anthropic declined to comment.