Archive · 5 Oct 2026
Former Anthropic Researcher to Testify at New York City AI Hearing
New York City lawmakers are holding a hearing about rules for artificial intelligence.
Jacob Coxon, who recently left Anthropic, is expected to speak about risks from powerful AI.
He has warned that AI could become too difficult for people to control.
Other former AI researchers are also expected to attend.
Representatives from several major technology companies will answer lawmakers’ questions.
The city is considering paying rewards to people who report violations.
It is also considering ways for some people harmed by AI to take legal action.
Some AI systems might need independent checks before they are used in the city.
The hearing will help lawmakers consider how much the city should regulate AI.
Jacob Coxon is expected to testify Monday at a New York City Council hearing at Speaker Julie Menin’s request.
Coxon left Anthropic last month and has warned that advanced AI could become difficult for humans to control.
Former Google DeepMind researcher Alex Turner and former OpenAI researcher Daniel Kokotajlo are also expected to testify; Turner confirmed he plans to attend.
Representatives from Anthropic, OpenAI, Google and Meta Platforms are expected to face questions at the hearing.
Proposals include whistleblower rewards, legal avenues for some people harmed by AI, and independent checks of certain systems before city deployment.
- Who
- Jacob Coxon, other former AI researchers, representatives of major AI companies, and New York City lawmakers.
- What
- A City Council hearing on AI risks and proposed safeguards, where Coxon is expected to testify.
- When
- Monday, according to the reports.
- Where
- New York City.
- Why
- City lawmakers are considering local safeguards and rules for AI systems and potential harms.
Stronger local safeguards
Limits and concerns around city regulation
AI safety oversight
Stronger local safeguards
Coxon has warned of serious risks from advanced AI, and lawmakers are considering whistleblower protections, legal remedies and independent checks.
Limits and concerns around city regulation
Representatives of major AI companies are expected to answer questions, but the reports do not state their positions on the proposed measures.
Local authority
Stronger local safeguards
New York officials are seeking a larger role in regulating an industry that has expanded rapidly in the city.
Limits and concerns around city regulation
The proposals could test how far a municipal government can regulate companies in an industry whose rules have largely been handled at federal and state levels.
- Expected witness
- Jacob Coxon, a former Anthropic researcher
- Hearing requested by
- New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin
- Other expected former researchers
- Alex Turner and Daniel Kokotajlo; Turner confirmed he plans to attend
- Companies expected to participate
- Anthropic, OpenAI, Google and Meta Platforms
- Whistleblower proposal
- Give whistleblowers a portion of fines or penalties recovered after reported violations
- Other proposed safeguards
- Allow some people harmed by AI to pursue legal action and require third-party checks for certain systems before city deployment
- Subpoena precedent
- The City Council subpoenaed SpaceX’s artificial intelligence division after it did not respond to requests to appear
