In a CounterPunch essay, Michael Albert argues that the race among major AI firms toward artificial general intelligence and superintelligence is driven primarily by a desire for dominance rather than profit, and that this pursuit poses an existential threat. He warns of both deliberate misuse, such as deepfakes, surveillance, and job displacement, and unintended harms from well-meaning AI use that could erode human capabilities and autonomy. Albert calls for a moratorium on further AI development until adequate regulatory frameworks and social changes are in place.