The Guardian · 29 Sep, 06:41 · Business briefing

Anthropic warns of ‘existential risks to humanity’ from AI; AstraZeneca makes $2bn cancer drug tie-up – business live

Anthropic, a leading artificial intelligence safety company, has issued stark warnings regarding the potential existential risks posed by advanced AI systems to humanity.

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The briefing

The story
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Anthropic, a leading artificial intelligence safety company, has issued stark warnings regarding the potential existential risks posed by advanced AI systems to humanity. Simultaneously, pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca has announced a significant two-billion-pound partnership focused on developing new cancer treatments. This dual news highlights the diverging priorities of major corporations: navigating the ethical and safety challenges of rapid technological advancement while securing substantial investments in life-saving medical innovations.

Employer demand for Artificial Intelligence Ethics skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

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You must now balance technical expertise with ethical foresight. As AI governance becomes critical, roles in risk assessment and policy compliance will surge in value. Professionals in tech should prioritise understanding safety frameworks and regulatory landscapes. Meanwhile, the pharmaceutical deal underscores the enduring demand for specialised scientific talent in oncology and biotech. You should actively upskill in AI ethics or data governance if you work in technology. If you are in healthcare, focus on emerging therapeutic areas. Smart professionals will diversify their portfolios, ensuring they are adaptable to both technological disruption and traditional sector growth, thereby future-proofing their careers against these shifting market dynamics.

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Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
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