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A growing chorus of experts is warning that unchecked advancement in artificial intelligence poses a significant risk to democratic societies. The core concern revolves around the potential for AI to autonomously accelerate research and development, triggering a so-called ‘intelligence explosion.’ This rapid acceleration could concentrate immense power within a handful of secretive AI companies, leading to societal instability and the erosion of established democratic norms. The discussion underscores the urgent need for proactive measures, including increased transparency and responsible regulation, to guide the trajectory of AI development and mitigate potential harms.