Addressing AI, Quantum, Human Agency And P(doom) Risk
Addressing AI, Quantum, Human Agency And P(doom) Risk
Publish Date: 2026-07-15 09:00:00
Source Domain: www.forbes.com
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Emerging Technology Awareness: Boards and c-suites are increasingly recognizing that artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing are no longer future issues but present challenges that affect risk, resilience, and competitive advantage today.
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Probabilities of Catastrophic Outcomes (“p(doom)”): The concept of “p(doom),” or the probability of catastrophic outcomes from advanced AI, is gaining attention in mainstream discussions, pushing executive teams to assess associated risks and develop strategies to mitigate potential impacts.
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AI and Quantum Computing Risk Management:
- AI Risks: AI adoption accelerates concerns regarding accountability, liability, insurability, and governance. Organizations face complex risk profiles with multiple liability areas, and gaps in coverage necessitate greater oversight and control.
- Quantum Computing Risks: Quantum computing’s potential to break current encryption standards creates serious risks, especially in scenarios where “harvest now, decrypt later” becomes possible. This highlights the need to prioritize the security of sensitive information over the long term.
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Integrated Risk Perspective: Technology-driven risks often interact in unforeseen ways. Disruptions can result from AI-enabled cyberattacks, quantum threats, regulatory shifts, and geopolitical instability, necessitating an integrated approach to risk management.
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Human Agency’s Role: Technology outcomes are shaped significantly by human decisions regarding governance, controls, accountability, and adoption. Resilient organizations ensure human oversight and adaptability to technology-related failures.
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Board Governance Questions: Boards should consider potential failures under AI and quantum scenarios, critical process dependencies on these technologies, and how to ensure accountability for technology risk management.
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Strategic Action Under Uncertainty: Rather than predicting a single catastrophic event, leaders should prepare for a more gradual disruption through everyday decisions. Organizations should bolster resilience, adaptability, and preparedness to act under uncertainty.
