Robert O'Callahan Resigns from Google DeepMind, Critiques AI Development Pace

Robert O'Callahan resigned from Google DeepMind on September 25, 2026, expressing concerns about the rapid pace of AI development. He stated that the 'current rate of change is far too high' and that 'aiming for ASI in the near future is inherently irresponsible.' O'Callahan, who worked on chip design tools for AI, believes that the risks associated with superintelligent AI are 'real but uncertain' and that he 'bets AI's harms outweigh its benefits.' This resignation follows a broader discourse on the ethical implications of AI, with figures like Eliezer Yudkowsky and Nate Soares advocating for caution in AI advancements. O'Callahan's departure highlights ongoing tensions within AI research communities regarding the balance between innovation and safety.