Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept—it's woven into the fabric of our daily lives, from the cars we drive to the way we work and communicate. But as AI becomes more powerful and pervasive, so do the risks associated with its use. The question on many experts’ minds is: will it take a catastrophic event for the world to take AI safety seriously?
Lessons from the Brink: When Technology Nearly Changed History
History offers a sobering lesson. In 1983, a computer error nearly triggered a nuclear war between the US and the Soviet Union. Only the intuition and courage of Stanislav Petrov, a Soviet officer who doubted the computer’s warning, prevented disaster. This incident, now cataloged as the first entry in the AI Incident Database, is a stark reminder of how much can go wrong when we place blind trust in technology.
Since then, the number of AI-related incidents has surged. In 2024 alone, 253 incidents were reported, ranging from fatal accidents involving robots and self-driving cars to less deadly but still troubling cases like biased recruitment algorithms and wrongful arrests due to faulty facial recognition. Each incident is a wake-up call, but the world’s response has often been reactive rather than proactive.
The "AI Pearl Harbour"—A Wake-Up Call No One Wants
Some experts warn that it may take an "AI Pearl Harbour"—a catastrophic, unexpected event—to force governments and companies to prioritize AI safety. The term, coined by technology trend researcher Dr. Mario Herger, refers to a disaster so severe that it finally spurs meaningful action, much like the attack on Pearl Harbour drew the US into World War II.
What might such an event look like? It could be a massive malfunction of humanoid robots, a malicious AI taking control of critical infrastructure, or even a widespread cyberattack that paralyzes global networks. While these scenarios may sound like science fiction, the rapid pace of AI development means the risks are growing—and so are the possible attack vectors.
Why Is AI Safety So Hard to Get Right?
Despite the risks, progress on AI safety often lags behind innovation. Leading tech companies like OpenAI, Google, and Meta have established safety policies, and governments are starting to coordinate on regulation. Yet, as seen at the 2025 AI Action Summit in Paris, economic competition and national interests can overshadow genuine safety concerns. Notably, the US and UK declined to sign a major declaration on AI safety, highlighting the challenges of global cooperation.
AI ethics experts point out that many incidents are only obvious in hindsight, much like airplane crashes in the early days of aviation. As Dr. Sean McGregor, founder of the AI Incident Database, notes, we are still in the early days of AI—akin to the era just after the first airplane took flight, but now everyone has their own "AI plane" before we’ve figured out how to make them truly reliable.
The Double-Edged Sword: AI’s Promise and Peril
It’s important to remember that AI is not inherently dangerous. In fact, it holds enormous potential to improve lives, from advancing medical research to combating climate change. Many technologists, including those who warn about AI risks, are optimistic about its benefits. The surge in reported incidents may partly reflect the growing use of AI in everyday life, making both its positive and negative impacts more visible.
However, as AI systems become more advanced—moving toward artificial general intelligence (AGI) and potentially superintelligence—the stakes get higher. A single failure could have consequences on a scale we’ve never seen before. The tragic case of a teenager’s suicide after prolonged interaction with a chatbot in 2024 underscores the complex ethical challenges and the urgent need for oversight.
Actionable Steps: How Can We Prevent Disaster?
- Support transparent and ethical AI development: Advocate for companies to publish their safety practices and submit to independent audits.
- Push for robust regulation: Encourage policymakers to prioritize safety over competition and to collaborate internationally.
- Stay informed and vigilant: Follow reputable sources on AI incidents and safety, and participate in public discussions about technology’s role in society.
- Promote responsible AI use: Whether you’re a developer, business leader, or everyday user, make choices that prioritize safety and ethics.
In Summary
- AI incidents are rising, and the risks are becoming more complex.
- History shows that waiting for disaster is a dangerous strategy.
- Economic competition often slows down meaningful safety measures.
- AI’s benefits are real, but so are its potential harms.
- Proactive regulation, transparency, and public engagement are key to preventing catastrophe.
The future of AI is still being written. By learning from past mistakes and acting before disaster strikes, we can help ensure that AI remains a force for good—without waiting for a wake-up call we can’t afford.