AI is the atomic energy of our generation: clean, powerful, and capable of catastrophe if no one is watching. Governments need to cooperate now, before the technology forces them to.
AI is the atomic energy of our generation: clean, powerful, and capable of catastrophe if no one is watching. Governments need to cooperate now, before the technology forces them to.
Artificial Intelligence(AI) is comparable to atomic energy. It offers a powerful, clean energy source with the potential for enormous disruption. Since WWII, atomic bombs have served as both deterrents and threats. Similarly, AI can write code, crack encryption, disrupt online trade, secure communications, and control computer systems — with the power to cause harm or promote healing, like curing cancer, improving daily life, or advancing science.
Governments worldwide must unite to prevent self-destruction. Like nuclear treaties, international agreements should regulate AI. Its immense power makes it dangerous if misused. Currently, global powers collaborate to control atomic weapons through treaties and security measures, avoiding planetary destruction despite tensions since WWII.
A similar strategy is needed for AI. The US, China, and the EU must quickly agree on limits. Control can't be left solely to tech companies like Google, OpenAI, Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, X, Facebook, and others. This isn't business as usual — it’s a call for strict regulation and accountability to prevent harm.
Just as atomic power is here to stay, so is AI. We might wish for a time before nukes, but they remain. Similarly, smartphones are now an inseparable part of our lives.
An initial step is regulating who can access and use personal data. My data shouldn't be exploited by any tech firms. Data brokers should be illegal unless authorized by an agency similar to the Atomic Energy Commission. When weaponized, data can disable power grids, military equipment, and essentials like food and water, equating its power to atomic bombs.
Major issues include spam, scams, and identity theft. Recently, the BBC recorded scam call center workers mocking victims—one claimed they made $250,000 from tricked individuals. The disturbing truth? Scammers buy your data from brokers or government sources. Once they have your info, it leads to phishing, impersonation, and identity theft.
Imagine if the data is about the US Treasury or Pentagon. We must quickly safeguard citizens and government data by deploying top experts to develop strategies against malicious use of AI.
U.S. estimates show companies lose between a quarter and half a trillion dollars annually due to cyber espionage, mainly from China. Consumers bear these costs.
AI’s risks and benefits mirror nuclear power. A critical first step is banning data collection and sales without owner consent. If the government doesn’t protect us from online theft, who will? If it doesn’t regulate AI, who will?
This urgent issue rivals the Manhattan Project, yet no political party today addresses it.
By Don Louis · Published 2026-04-14