[Axios: OpenAI and Anthropic Executives Privately Simulate AI Disaster Scenarios, Concerned About Public Backlash from Major Incidents] According to a report by Axios on October 9, senior executives from Anthropic, OpenAI, and other artificial intelligence companies are privately simulating various scenarios to prepare for potential large-scale public backlash and political resistance in the event of a catastrophic AI incident. These executives anticipate that a major incident could occur in the future, most likely in the form of a cyberattack, leading to disruptions in financial services, internet connectivity, and even power and water supply systems. If unsafe AI were to cause significant real-world harm for the first time, the already skeptical public might further turn against the technology and its leaders. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, and U.S. President Donald Trump—who has faced criticism for his reluctance to strengthen AI regulations—could all become targets of public accountability. Several AI industry insiders believe that major incidents may be difficult to avoid. An OpenAI spokesperson stated: 'OpenAI conducts emergency preparedness drills, allowing teams to discuss and simulate a range of potential scenarios. These scenarios are not viewed as inevitable events but are designed to help us prepare for various possible situations.'