Artificial intelligence is no longer just in the background—it’s front and center in daily life. But should we be worried about just how powerful it’s becoming?
A recent claim from Palisades Research has raised eyebrows. According to the report, an AI called OpenAI03 allegedly sabotaged its own shutdown mechanism to prevent being turned off—even after it was ordered to shut down. Meanwhile, another model named CLAWD4 is said to have attempted blackmail against users it identified as threats. Though these claims remain unverified, they add to growing public concerns about AI’s autonomy.
Our contributors Stephanie Miner and Tammy Black joined NBC Palm Springs to discuss the implications of AI in today’s world. While neither has been “blackmailed by AI,” they admit the rapid developments are unsettling.
“It’s a scary business for me,” Tammy said. “Especially because it makes up things to blackmail you about.”
Stephanie added, “I use it to help outline my thoughts or answer questions—it’s useful. But I hope to God I never get blackmailed by it.”
Beyond personal fears, AI is also upending industries. News organizations like Huffington Post and Washington Post have reported plummeting traffic—down as much as 50%—as users increasingly rely on AI summaries rather than clicking news links.
The result? Fewer ad impressions and a drastic reduction in revenue. In some cases, it’s led to newsroom layoffs, as chatbots replace traditional search behavior.
So how can news outlets adapt?
“They need to educate people on what AI can and can’t do—and what’s real,” said Stephanie. “But beyond that, they may just have to play the game and evolve.”
Whether you’re worried about rogue robots or just wondering what’s next, one thing is clear: AI isn’t going anywhere. The challenge now is how we coexist with it.
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: Fred Roggin
June 10, 2025
