{
  "id": 7784886,
  "title": "Forget Terminator. This Nigerian philosopher is worried about the AI we already use",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/forget-terminator-this-nigerian-philosopher-is-worried-about-the-ai",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-09-16T12:35:26.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "TechCabal",
    "slug": "techcabal",
    "url": "https://techcabal.com/2026/09/16/life-in-tech-segun-samuel/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Samuel Segun, a philosopher from Nigeria, is concerned about the AI technologies that are already in use rather than the potential future risks of advanced AI systems. Growing up in Minna, North-Central Nigeria, Segun's initial interest in AI safety was focused on the concept of machines taking over the world, as seen in movies like Terminator and iRobot. However, his research led him to discover that some of AI's most significant problems are currently prevalent, such as discriminatory algorithms and inaccurate facial recognition systems. For Segun, the focus shifted from a potential AI uprising to the need for addressing the systems that are already operational. While Segun's fascination with technology began in childhood, his journey to becoming an AI safety researcher was not straightforward. After studying philosophy at the University of Calabar, Segun began exploring questions related to consciousness and artificial life. Eventually, he ventured into the tech industry, founding Uptrend Media and later joining Academix as their head of product. It was during his time at Academix that Segun first encountered AI, which sparked his interest in the field and led him to his current role as an AI safety researcher.",
  "summary": "From building robots in his head as a child to studying philosophy, researching AI safety, advising the UN, and building industrial AI, Samuel Segun’s career has followed one question: how should AI work in the real world?",
  "key_points": [
    "Samuel Segun, a Nigerian philosopher, worries about existing AI technologies.",
    "Concerned about discriminatory algorithms and inaccurate facial recognition systems.",
    "Transitioned from studying philosophy to founding Uptrend Media and joining Academix."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}