Technology leaders are warning that businesses may be overestimating artificial intelligence's short-term capabilities while underestimating its long-term impact. TikTok CEO Shou Chew and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella have called for stronger human oversight and safeguards as AI systems become more capable.
Chew shared his views at the DBS Asia Future Forward 2026 Conference on October 12. He argued that public expectations of AI are too high in the near term, while its potential to reshape society over time may be underestimated.
Chew backed a model in which people and AI systems work together. He said humans should retain the final authority over important decisions rather than handing control to automated systems. He also warned that highly autonomous AI could create cybersecurity risks. Systems with greater freedom to act independently could expose more points to potential attacks.
Chew said there is a ‘non-zero chance’ that silicon-based AI could surpass human capabilities across several areas. At TikTok, AI is already changing how the platform handles content creation, moderation, search and coding. His comments highlight the challenge of balancing AI's growing capabilities with the need for human supervision and security measures.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella called for stronger safeguards on October 11. He urged businesses to treat advanced AI models as potential insider threats and prepare for the possibility that their systems could be compromised. Nadella advocated an “emergency brake” for advanced AI systems. He also called for controls and audits to limit risks if models behave in unexpected or harmful ways.
Microsoft AI chief Mustafa Suleyman raised related concerns in September 2026. He warned that uncontrolled development could produce self-directed AI systems that compete with humans, describing the possibility as a ‘silicon species.’
Microsoft President Brad Smith also warned in early October that AI risks require immediate action. The comments put human oversight and accountability at the center of the AI debate. For businesses, the challenge is turning these warnings into practical safeguards. Whether Microsoft introduces emergency-brake controls in its products and TikTok formalizes human approval for AI-driven decisions will be important developments to watch.
Also Read: AI Agents and Cybersecurity: Understanding the Risks of Autonomous AI Systems