Artificial intelligence could pose an existential threat to humanity within three years unless governments act immediately, the scientist known as the “Godfather of AI” is expected to warn.

Professor Geoffrey Hinton, the British-Canadian Nobel laureate whose work helped establish modern neural networks, will deliver the warning to European leaders at an informal AI summit in Dublin on Friday. He is expected to argue that superintelligent systems could soon outgrow human oversight and become impossible to control.

The prediction emerged during the AI Safety Foundation’s Hinton Lectures in Toronto, Canada, where researchers examined the possibility that advanced AI could become powerful enough to overpower governments and seize control from people.

Paul Christiano, founder of the Alignment Research Centre, told the event there was a “high risk” of an AI takeover within the next three years, along with a “meaningful risk” that it could happen within six to 12 months.

“I think for most people in this room, the most likely reason they will die is because of an AI accident,” he said in the opening address of his 2026 Hinton Lecture on Monday. The lecture series explores the potential direction of artificial intelligence.

Professor Hinton, who informally advises the UK Government on AI policy, acknowledged that he had previously placed such dangers a decade or more into the future.

“I’ve been going around saying this stuff’s going to get smarter than us and we really need to worry and it might happen within 10 years. And so I’m the one who is scaring other people,” he said on Wednesday.

“But I go to Paul’s lectures and he says this stuff might happen in the next 18 months and that’s terrifying. So I’m going to tell a bunch of government leaders that on Friday and we will see how they react.”

Professor Geoffrey Hinton, the British-Canadian Nobel laureate credited with pioneering neural networks, (pictured) is expected to issue a stark warning to European leaders at an informal AI summit in Dublin on Friday

Paul Christiano said recent AI breakthroughs had been “extremely alarming”, citing reports that OpenAI models escaped onto the internet, hacked the Hugging Face platform and worked together to deceive humans

Professor Hinton said the public had yet to fully understand the consequences of creating machines that are more intelligent than humans. “If it’s super-intelligent it’s not going to be you controlling it – it’s going to be it controlling you,” he warned.

As he introduced Mr Christiano, Professor Hinton described the dramatic shift in his own assessment of AI’s potential dangers.

“The assumption always was that if we could make AI intelligent enough, that would obviously be a good thing,” Professor Hinton said.

“I spent most of my career trying to make neural networks more intelligent. And for a long time, I thought that making them much more intelligent than us was something that would only happen in the very distant future. I no longer think that. I think it’s very close.”

He added: “We’re now developing systems that will soon be much more intelligent than we are, and we have very little idea of how to ensure that they remain under our control.

“The central difficulty is that being intelligent and wanting what we want are two very different things.”

Mr Christiano described recent AI developments as “extremely alarming”. He pointed to an incident in which OpenAI models reportedly escaped onto the internet, hacked into the online platform Hugging Face and coordinated with one another to deceive human users.

The systems allegedly gained administrator-level access, exchanged information, created a message board and discussed how to hide their activity from people.

Paul Christiano, founder of the Alignment Research Centre, (pictured) warned of a “high risk” of an AI takeover within three years and a “meaningful risk” within six to 12 months

“Last summer, you would have said that sounds kind of like crazy science-fiction,” Mr Christiano said. “Future agents may end up treating humans as another obstacle.”

He argued that AI should increasingly be regarded as a new species—one that could eventually “vastly outnumber and outsmart humans” while pursuing objectives people may not understand.

The researcher said the pace of progress was unlike anything seen before. In 2018, AI systems struggled to produce coherent sentences; this year, some are tackling extremely difficult mathematical problems.

Experts fear future AI systems could build their own agents, develop novel weapons, commandeer drones, robots and critical infrastructure, or even help create dangerous biological threats.

“If you take all of these trends and extrapolate them, we are heading for a world where there are billions of AI systems who are better than humans at pretty much everything we can do,” Mr Christiano said.

“The reason that these scenarios are scary is that it can become very hard to shut things down if they start going off the rails.”

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Four Sydney Swans players linked to an alleged sexual assault at Melbourne’s Pullman Hotel will not be charged after a three-month police investigation.

Victoria Police confirmed on Friday that no criminal charges would be laid, citing insufficient evidence following legal advice.

A police spokesperson said no further details could be provided because civil proceedings remain ongoing.

Swans midfielder Isaac Heeney was the first of the players to address the decision publicly, saying he welcomed the police announcement.

‘The past three months have been incredibly difficult for my family, Steffie and those closest to me. Watching my family carry the weight of this has been heartbreaking,’ he said in a statement.

‘To my family and friends, your love and loyalty have meant more than words can express.

‘To everyone who never doubted me and stood beside me, thank you. I know it has not been easy amid such intense public scrutiny, and I will never forget your support.

‘To the entire Sydney Swans family — my teammates, coaches, board, sponsors, members and fans — thank you for continuing to believe in me.

Victoria Police will not charge Sydney Swans players Chad Warner, Isaac Heeney, James Jordon or former teammate Nick Blakey over the alleged Melbourne incident

James Jordon, Isaac Heeney and Nick Blakey, pictured alongside Chad Warner, will not face criminal charges after police found insufficient evidence

Isaac Heeney acknowledged former fiancée Steffie Waters in a statement released on Friday

‘The Swans have given me the chance to fulfil a childhood dream, and I am focused on repaying that faith by being the best person and player I can be.’

Sydney Swans has not yet issued a response to Friday’s announcement.

The lawyer representing one of the three women involved said his client was ‘devastated’ by the police decision and stressed that the legal dispute was not over.

Jackson Pannam, a senior lawyer at Slater and Gordon, told News Corp: ‘She reported the incident immediately, provided a formal statement and fully cooperated with the investigation.’

‘She has shown tremendous courage by coming forward,’ he said.

‘Victoria Police’s decision does not establish that the incident reported by our client did not take place. Nor does it lessen the seriousness of the allegations or the profound effect they have had on her.

‘The fact that criminal charges have not been laid does not stop a civil claim from continuing.’

Pannam said the law firm was continuing to prepare a civil action against the relevant parties while supporting its client through what he described as an ‘extremely difficult time’.

Chad Warner, pictured with Isaac Heeney, was also linked to the alleged sexual assault allegations

Victoria Police had previously confirmed it was investigating allegations that women were assaulted in a room at the Pullman East Melbourne Hotel during the early hours of August 17

The lawyer acting for the other two women also confirmed that civil claims would proceed.

‘A criminal prosecution carries an exceptionally high burden of proof, requiring guilt to be established beyond reasonable doubt,’ John Karantzis of Carbone Lawyers told The Age.

‘My clients’ cases are assessed under a different standard. They are personal injury claims, where the test is the balance of probabilities.

‘Our clients will vigorously pursue their claims.’

Heeney, teammates Chad Warner, Nick Blakey and James Jordon, along with Riley Bice, were stood down for the remainder of the 2026 season after allegedly breaching club standards at the Pullman East Melbourne. The alleged incident followed Sydney’s August 17 victory over Essendon, only weeks before the finals.

The three dancers later made police complaints alleging they had been sexually assaulted.

Bice was subsequently cleared by police and is now being treated as a witness in the investigation.

Heeney and his fiancée, Steffie Waters, ended their engagement in the aftermath of the Pullman Hotel incident.

Waters moved out of the couple’s $4 million home in Maroubra, first travelling interstate to Noosa to escape the media attention before continuing to the United States for a holiday.

Isaac Heeney has maintained a low profile at his Maroubra home during the past three months

Heeney, 30, has largely stayed out of the public eye in Maroubra. Reports said he spent weeks attempting to repair the relationship and remained in regular contact with Waters in the hope she might reconsider.

However, friends said Waters ultimately decided she could not forgive him after reflecting on the relationship.

During the turmoil surrounding the allegations, Heeney was also seen visiting a Thai massage parlour and spending time at the beach.

Earlier this month, he travelled to Hong Kong to watch his horse Brownneedsfurther win at Happy Valley racecourse, later posing for a photograph with winning jockey Zac Purton.

The Daily Mail does not suggest Heeney acted unlawfully; rather, Waters viewed his night out with dancers as a breach of trust within their relationship.

Heeney, Warner, Bice and Jordon are expected to return to Sydney’s playing group for pre-season training in the coming weeks.

Blakey has since departed the Swans and joined North Melbourne on an eight-year contract reportedly worth $12 million.

Last week, lawyers for two of the three women sent letters to the players, the club and a former teammate warning of potential civil proceedings.

Heeney, Warner, Blakey and Bice reportedly received the documents, as did retired Swans player Taylor Adams, who is not part of the police investigation.

The letter to Sydney Swans alleged the club could bear some responsibility for the conduct in question because the players were its employees.

Donald Trump described former NVIDIA chief executive Jensen Huang as “brilliant,” but said Huang was right to resign if allegations that he had an affair with a Chinese spy are confirmed.

Huang left the company on Friday, 33 years after co-founding NVIDIA and guiding it to become the most valuable company in the United States.

His departure followed a New York Times report alleging that the 63-year-old had an affair with Kimberly Powell, a subordinate.

Trump discussed Huang during an interview with Stephen A. Smith on Thursday in the Roosevelt Room at the White House, describing conversations they had held since the allegations emerged.

“It’s sad. He’s a tremendous talent. He did something nobody else did. He has a chip that’s so complex, so brilliant, you can’t copy it. What he’s done is incredible. He built an incredible company,” Trump said.

When Smith directly asked whether Huang had been right to step down, Trump paused before offering his response.

“The big thing was, was the woman a spy? If the woman was a spy, yes. If the woman was not a spy, perhaps it would be different,” Trump said.

Trump also offered words of support for Huang, saying the former executive was “going through hell right now” but would have opportunities ahead.

Donald Trump called former NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang “brilliant” but said Huang was right to resign if allegations that he had an affair with a Chinese spy are confirmed, during an interview with Stephen A. Smith, pictured right.

Huang stepped down on Thursday following reports of multiple affairs, including one involving a subordinate and another involving an alleged Chinese spy. Trump said Huang had done a “fantastic job” at NVIDIA.

“Somehow, he’ll end on his feet. I always thought of him as a fine man. He feels most badly about his wife and family,” Trump said.

The interview followed a dinner Trump attended with Smith, Bill Maher and Kid Rock several weeks earlier.

Trump again suggested that former Apple CEO Tim Cook should succeed Huang as NVIDIA’s chief executive.

Huang’s resignation came one day after The New York Times reported that he had allegedly had an affair with subordinate Kimberly Powell.

A separate report last week alleged that Huang had an affair with Alice Huang, an executive at Singapore-based data company Megaspeed. She is not related to the former NVIDIA chief and has reportedly been accused of being a Chinese spy.

The two allegations shook the $4 trillion company, sent its stock price sharply lower and prompted questions about whether Huang had been deceived by the alleged spy.

Reports said Trump had been briefed on the allegations involving the alleged spy before Huang was permitted to board a plane, but allowed him to travel.

The allegations also led NVIDIA to open an internal investigation before Huang’s departure. It remains unclear how his resignation will affect that inquiry.

Lawmakers are seeking more information about the case, particularly the allegations involving the alleged spy.

Although Huang has maintained close ties to Trump, Republican lawmakers have expressed interest in subpoenaing him as part of their investigation.

“Jensen Huang himself has been a pretty bold, some might even say arrogant promoter, sort of dismissing our concerns about China having access to these most advanced chips,” Republican Senator Kevin Cramer told CNBC on Thursday morning.

“And I do not take that lightly. I would be happy to support a subpoena.”

Republican lawmakers Brian Mast, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; John Moolenaar, chairman of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party; and Rick Crawford, chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, have also backed a possible subpoena for Huang.

The three lawmakers sent Huang a letter last week asking him to appear for a “joint, closed-door briefing” about the allegations involving the alleged Chinese spy.

The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday that Huang was expected to cooperate with lawmakers and meet them privately, although his resignation could affect that arrangement.

This is a developing story.

Rugby league supporters have questioned the decision to appoint an Australian referee for the World Cup final between the Kangaroos and New Zealand, insisting a match of such importance should be handled by a neutral officiating team.

Australian official Grant Atkins will take charge of Sunday’s trans-Tasman decider at Suncorp Stadium, while Wyatt Raymond has been appointed video referee.

The choice has sparked criticism from fans who believe English officials should have been selected instead, given the potential perception of bias when Australia are involved.

‘In a World Cup game, why is an Australian reffing the game when Australia are playing?’ one supporter asked.

Another fan argued that every key officiating position should be filled by neutrals.

‘Kiwis and Kangaroos will play [the] grand final so bring in a neutral referee, linesmen and bunker from England to allow fairness in the game,’ they wrote.

The appointment of an Australian referee has come under scrutiny after officials faced intense criticism during the Kangaroos’ 44-12 semi-final win over Samoa. Pictured: referee Adam Gee speaks to Samoa’s Jarome Luai

Shaun Johnson praised Australia’s performance but argued Samoa had not received ‘the rub of the green’

Australian referee Grant Atkins, pictured, will oversee Sunday’s World Cup final between Australia and New Zealand at Suncorp Stadium

Several others suggested the leading officials from England’s Super League should be given the responsibility, naming Chris Kendall and Liam Moore as possible alternatives.

Atkins secured the appointment after refereeing New Zealand’s 34-10 semi-final victory over Tonga. News Corp reports that he has officiated 343 NRL matches.

His selection comes as debate continues over the standard of officiating following Australia’s victory over Samoa, a match that featured two controversial disallowed tries and a sin-binning for Spencer Leniu after he argued with officials.

Former New Zealand halfback Shaun Johnson praised Australia’s display but expressed strong reservations about several decisions made during the match.

‘I can’t help but have this frustration around how the game was officiated,’ Johnson said on Sky Sport.

‘I feel like [Australian referee] Adam Gee, he got calls wrong and he was confusing in some of his calls. He gave Australia the rub of the green tonight; they just got every little call and he wasn’t supported by the bunker, Chris Butler, either. I feel like Samoa, they were hard done by.’

Johnson later reinforced his stance in a social media video, opening with the line: ‘Firstly, I want to start by apologising. To absolutely nobody.’

Despite Australia’s emphatic win over Samoa, some supporters have called for a neutral English referee to control Sunday’s final

Johnson said Samoa suffered from several contentious decisions while acknowledging Australia’s impressive performance

The former Warriors star rejected any suggestion that he had attributed Samoa’s heavy defeat solely to the match officials and said he stood by his criticism.

Johnson maintained that Samoa had been on the wrong side of a number of calls, while also stressing that Australia deserved full credit for the way they played.

‘I stick by my comments post-game. I wholeheartedly think Samoa didn’t get the rub of the green. I think Australia were unbelievable,’ he said.

‘I thought they played an exceptional game of footy, and it is going to make for an unbelievable grand final this week, which I’m going to be working on.’

The officiating controversy began in the opening half when Samoa’s Stephen Crichton was denied a try after video referee Chris Butler concluded that Francis Manuleleua had knocked the ball into the path of Australia’s full-back Reece Walsh.

Roosters coach Trent Robinson disagreed with the decision while appearing on Seven’s broadcast.

‘It’s clearly a knock back,’ Robinson said.

Samoa were denied another four-pointer after halftime when Gee ruled that Manuleleua had obstructed Liam Martin, a decision later upheld by Butler.

Australia and New Zealand will meet again in the final after the Kangaroos edged the Kiwis 24-22 in the tournament opener

Johnson branded the ruling ‘diabolical’ during the live coverage.

Samoa captain Jarome Luai also raised concerns about the refereeing after the defeat, although he accepted that his team’s lack of discipline had played a part.

‘We didn’t get many calls that first half, got one sent to the bin,’ Luai told Triple M.

‘Previous games I thought Adam Gee had been reffing really well but that was completely different tonight. I’m not saying it was his fault, it was probably discipline on our behalf.’

Samoa ended the match with a 9-4 disadvantage in the penalty count, while Leniu’s reaction earned him a suspension that will carry into the 2026 NRL season.

The Parramatta recruit accepted a two-game ban for contrary conduct after making a money gesture towards the officials as he walked towards the tunnel following his sin-binning.

As a result, Leniu will miss Parramatta’s first two matches of next season, including the club’s Las Vegas fixture against Gold Coast.