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Microsoft AI CEO says AI threats are real, and Anthropic is making it worse

September 17, 2026 · 53 min

Show notes

Today, I’m talking with Mustafa Suleyman, the CEO of Microsoft AI. As you’re no doubt aware, the biggest story in tech right now is the spiraling debate about AI safety and regulation. So I really wanted to talk to Mustafa about what he thinks is real and not in AI safety, whether the concept of alignment itself is up to the task, and whether this industry needs to slow down before it kills us all. 

Read the ⁠full interview transcript on The Verge⁠.

Links: 

  • A warning about ‘model welfare’ | Mustafa Suleyman
  • Humanist AI Code of Conduct | Microsoft
  • Is Big Tech’s AI slowdown a safety pact or a cartel? | The Verge
  • A brief history of AI executives calling for regulation | The Verge
  • What execs and politicians are saying about slowing down AI development | The Verge
  • Anthropic CEO says it’s time to pump the brakes on AI | The Verge
  • Microsoft’s AI chief says superintelligence is near, but won’t take your job | Decoder (2026)
  • Mustafa Suleyman says conversational AI is the next web browser | Decoder (2024)

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Credits:

Decoder is a production of The Verge and part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.

Decoder’s producers are Greg Ott, Kate Cox, and Nick Statt. This episode was edited by Kabir Chopra. Our editorial director is Kevin McShane.

The Decoder music is by Breakmaster Cylinder.

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All episodes of Decoder with Nilay Patel

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