AI-Driven Threats Take Center Stage in Latest CAPTRS Contest

CAPTRS invited public input to identify societal vulnerabilities and test response strategies to AI-driven crises through a creative writing contest this fall.

Hundreds of essays were submitted by experts and everyday AI users, outlining scenarios that demonstrate potential risks posed by artificial intelligence. The scenarios submitted in the contest were analyzed by experts to assess plausibility, and will now be part of CAPTRS’ “Universe of Threats” which will be used to help prepare for potential future threats and test the emergency systems’ readiness to respond.

Phil Siegel, co-founder of CAPTRS, said "artificial intelligence technology is evolving at an unprecedented pace and is being adopted across industries worldwide. While its potential for good is immense, it also presents significant risks when leveraged for harmful purposes. Just as emergency response teams prepare for natural disasters or security threats, we must proactively address the challenges posed by AI-enhanced bad actors and AI-driven scenarios that could disrupt critical systems. CAPTRS is proud to lead this first-of-its-kind initiative, harnessing the creativity and expertise of participants from across the nation.”

Submissions were reviewed by a distinguished panel of national experts in preparedness and artificial intelligence, including CAPTRS Co-founder Phil Siegel, CAPTRS Advisor Richard LaBranche, University of Texas at Austin’s Dr. Keri Stephens, and NEXT Consulting’s Troy Wilson. The most innovative, realistic, and challenging threat models were recognized and awarded thousands of dollars in prizes. Congratulations to the winners!

First Place: Semilore Olafare from Calgary, Alberta, Canada 2nd Place: BV Lawson from Falls Church, Virginia, USA 2nd Place: Simon Thurtle from Oosterhout, NB, Netherlands 3rd Place: Jacob Ashton from Matlock, Derbyshire, United Kingdom

3rd Place: Olivia Ramsay from Beaverton, Oregon, USA 3rd Place: Fatima Masood from Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan *Winning entries will be published on the CAPTRS website in January. Read past winning submissions here.