AI safety fears delay OpenAI IPO as scams and far-right tech ties raise alarms

AI safety fears force OpenAI to delay its IPO

OpenAI will not go public in 2026, its CEO Sam Altman confirmed in an interview with Fortune published on Saturday. The decision comes as the company faces mounting scrutiny over the safety of its artificial intelligence systems. "Given everything happening with safety, right now would be an ill-advised moment to go public," Altman said, adding that the company does not feel "pressure" to list despite investor expectations.

The delay reflects broader concerns in the tech industry about the rapid advancement of AI. Earlier this week, Dario Amodei, CEO of rival firm Anthropic, called for a slowdown in AI development, warning that current models could soon pose "serious" risks to global stability. Amodei proposed a three-part plan to regulate the sector, including third-party evaluations of AI systems—a measure Anthropic has already committed to unilaterally.

The debate over AI safety has intensified in recent months, with former researchers at leading firms expressing alarm. A former Anthropic employee told the BBC that staff were "genuinely frightened" about the potential consequences of unchecked AI development. These concerns have not slowed innovation, however: OpenAI’s latest model reportedly solved a long-standing mathematical problem, the Millennium Prize Problem, using 10,000 autonomous AI agents at an estimated cost of $15 million. The achievement, while celebrated in some quarters, has drawn criticism from mathematicians who described it as "immature playground boasting" that bypassed traditional collaborative methods.

Scammers exploit iPhone hype as Apple launches foldable model

Criminals are capitalising on the launch of Apple’s new iPhone 18 Pro and foldable Duo models, targeting consumers with fake "cheap deal" websites. According to The Guardian, fraudsters are luring buyers with offers of the latest devices at significantly reduced prices—sometimes hundreds of pounds below Apple’s retail price. Victims who pay via bank transfer never receive the phones, and the scam sites often disappear shortly after transactions are completed.

The scams highlight the risks of online shopping for high-demand tech products. Apple’s foldable iPhone, priced at £1,199 for the base model, has generated significant consumer interest, making it a prime target for fraud. Authorities have warned that scammers are increasingly sophisticated, using professional-looking websites and fake customer reviews to build credibility. The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has urged consumers to verify sellers through official channels and avoid bank transfers for online purchases.

The rise in tech-related scams comes as the UK’s digital economy faces broader challenges, including a surge in AI-driven fraud and deepfake scams. Earlier this year, the government introduced stricter regulations for online marketplaces, but enforcement remains patchy.

Far-right groups and tech platforms: a symbiotic relationship

The Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party’s recent electoral success in Germany has drawn attention to the growing ties between far-right movements and tech billionaires. Elon Musk, who publicly celebrated the AfD’s victory, has been accused of amplifying the party’s messaging through his social media platforms. According to The Guardian, the relationship between Musk and the AfD is part of a broader strategy to spread far-right views across Europe and the US.

The AfD’s rise has rattled European politics, with the party now just a few seats away from forming Germany’s first state-level far-right government since the Second World War. Analysts warn that tech platforms are playing an increasingly central role in normalising extremist rhetoric. In the UK, Reform UK has also benefited from digital amplification, with its messaging reaching millions through social media and alternative news sites.

The trend has raised concerns about the role of tech companies in shaping political discourse. While platforms like X (formerly Twitter) have policies against hate speech, enforcement is inconsistent, and far-right groups have adapted by using coded language and memes to evade moderation. The UK’s Online Safety Act, which came into force this year, aims to curb harmful content, but critics argue it does not go far enough to address the systemic spread of extremist ideologies.

What’s next for AI and tech ethics?

The past week has underscored the ethical dilemmas facing the tech industry. From OpenAI’s IPO delay to the exploitation of consumer demand by scammers, the sector is grappling with the consequences of rapid innovation. Meanwhile, the far-right’s use of digital platforms to gain political traction highlights the need for stronger safeguards against misinformation and extremism.

As AI continues to advance, the debate over regulation will only intensify. Dario Amodei’s call for a slowdown in development reflects growing unease among industry leaders, but whether governments and tech firms can agree on a framework remains uncertain. In the UK, the government has signalled its intention to position the country as a leader in AI safety, but concrete policies are still in development.

For consumers, the rise in scams serves as a reminder of the risks of online shopping, particularly for high-value tech products. As the holiday season approaches, experts warn that fraudsters are likely to ramp up their efforts, targeting everything from smartphones to gaming consoles.

The challenges facing the tech industry are not just technical but ethical. How companies, regulators, and society respond will shape the future of innovation—and its impact on democracy, security, and trust.