Nikesh Arora, CEO of cybersecurity firm Palo Alto Networks, told CNBC that proposals to slow down the development of artificial intelligence are "unrealistic" because different companies will make different choices. His remarks add a corporate voice to the ongoing debate over the risks AI poses to humanity.
Arora's argument centers on the difficulty of coordinating a global slowdown when firms compete across borders and have differing incentives. He suggested that not all companies will follow the same pace, making a universal pause impractical.
The comments come as governments and international bodies continue to discuss AI safety frameworks. Palo Alto Networks, which specializes in cybersecurity, has itself been integrating AI into its products, reflecting the industry's rapid adoption of the technology.
Critics of a slowdown argue that halting progress could cede leadership to less cautious actors, while supporters of stronger safeguards warn that unchecked development could lead to catastrophic outcomes. Arora's position aligns with those who favor continued innovation with risk management rather than a moratorium.
