Jacob Coxon to Testify at NYC Council Hearing on AI Safety Risks

Jacob Coxon, who previously worked at Anthropic, is set to testify at a New York City Council hearing focused on the safety risks associated with artificial intelligence. Scheduled for October 5, 2026, this hearing will also feature representatives from prominent AI companies, including OpenAI, Google, and Meta.

The hearing, called by Council Speaker Julie Menin, will involve all 51 council members, marking a significant legislative event where sworn testimony on AI safety will be compelled for the first time in the U.S. The council has reached out to the CEOs of major AI firms, including Dario Amodei of Anthropic and Sam Altman of OpenAI, inviting them to participate. However, not all companies have responded positively; SpaceXAI was recently subpoenaed for non-compliance.

During the session, lawmakers will consider several legislative proposals aimed at enhancing AI safety. Key measures include requiring third-party validation of AI systems used in the city, establishing whistleblower incentives for insiders to report dangerous practices, and granting individuals the right to sue for damages caused by AI systems.

Coxon, who resigned from Anthropic in early September 2026, has been vocal about the dangers of AI, stating that companies are “gambling with our lives.” His resignation and subsequent statements have significantly influenced the push for this hearing, highlighting a growing concern among some researchers about the existential risks posed by advanced AI technologies.

Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman has also commented on the implications of Coxon’s resignation, linking it to fears regarding AI self-modification and the potential for systems to evolve beyond human control. This ongoing debate reflects broader concerns within the AI industry about governance and safety practices.