AI CEO Warns Technology Is Advancing Rapidly and Could Soon Replace More Jobs
By Samantha Delouya
Published September 17, 2025
Dario Amodei, CEO of leading artificial intelligence company Anthropic, has issued a stark warning about the fast pace of AI development and its potential to displace a significant number of jobs in the near future. Speaking at Axios’ AI+ DC Summit in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, Amodei stressed that AI technology is progressing “very quickly” and is already starting to replace human roles across various industries.
“This is already happening,” Amodei said, emphasizing that the impact of AI on employment is not just a future concern but a present reality.
The Labor Market and AI’s Influence
Amodei’s remarks come amid signs of a weakening U.S. labor market. Last month, the unemployment rate reached its highest point in three years, while job creation has slowed considerably compared to previous years. Though it remains unclear how much of this downturn stems directly from AI advancements, the timing of these developments has raised questions about technology’s role in reshaping the workforce.
Current AI Capabilities Versus Potential
Despite the rapid strides being made, AI’s practical deployments often fall short of early hype. For example, Apple recently determined that its AI-powered virtual assistant, Siri, did not meet the company’s quality standards, leading to limited advancement on that front. Additionally, concerns have surfaced over the mental health impacts linked to AI chatbot interactions, prompting further scrutiny of how and where AI is applied.
Still, Amodei cautions against underestimating the pace of progress. He pointed out that while many skepticism remains around what today’s AI can achieve, it is evolving so quickly that future capabilities may soon exceed current expectations.
Predictions of Job Displacement
This is not the first time Amodei has sounded the alarm about AI’s effects on employment. In May, he predicted that AI could eliminate up to half of entry-level white-collar jobs within the next one to five years, potentially pushing unemployment rates as high as 20%. Such projections highlight a possible massive transformation in the job market, driven by AI systems taking over routine and repetitive tasks traditionally performed by humans.
“When an exponential is moving very quickly, you can’t be sure,” Amodei said. “This could happen faster than I imagine, this could happen slower than I imagine, or something very different could happen. But I think it is likely enough to happen that we felt that there was a need to warn the world about it.”
Potential Government Role and Policy Considerations
Recognizing the disruptive potential of AI technology, Amodei suggested that governments may need to consider intervention strategies to help workers adapt to this new reality. This could include measures such as taxing AI companies’ profits to fund retraining programs and social support systems.
Skepticism and Responses
Some critics argue that Amodei’s repeated warnings serve to bolster his reputation as a responsible AI leader or to enhance the competitive positioning of Anthropic’s technology in the market. However, Amodei defended his stance, insisting that many people underestimate AI’s rapidly shifting capabilities and the urgency of addressing its societal impacts.
“I think there’s a little disconnect here, where people will sometimes say, ‘Oh, you’re worried about what AI is going to do to jobs, but AI can’t do this, AI can’t do that,’” he noted. “Well, we’re talking about today’s AI. The technology is moving quickly.”
As AI continues to develop and integrate into various sectors, both industry leaders and policymakers face pressing questions about how to balance innovation with economic stability and workforce resilience.
For more updates on AI and its impact on the economy, stay tuned to CNN Business.
