AI Titans Brace for Existential Threats

Tech Leaders Prepare Bunkers Amidst Global Instability

As the world navigates increasingly complex and uncertain times, prominent figures in the artificial intelligence sector are openly discussing their personal preparations for potential societal collapse.

AI Pioneer Reveals Fallout Shelter

Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, recently disclosed the existence of fortified cellars beneath his residence, equipped with weaponry. While he sidesteps the term “hidden,” his description led comedian and podcast host Theo Von to remark, “That is hidden, my friend.” Altman quipped back about the distinction between a cellar and a bake, to which Von clarified it’s a sanctuary during emergencies.

Fears Rooted in Geopolitics, Not Sci-Fi

Intriguingly, Altman attributes his concerns not to the doomsday scenarios often depicted in AI-related media and science fiction, but to current global geopolitical tensions. “I was actually thinking about designing a good copy of that hideout. Not because of artificial intelligence, but because people, for example, drop the bombs on the world again,” he stated.

The world is indeed a strange place. We’re seeing more and more reports of tech leaders preparing for the worst. It begs the question: what do they know that we don’t?

— Tech Insider (@TechInsider) October 26, 2023

Silicon Valley’s Secret Preparations

This sentiment appears widespread within Silicon Valley. Discussions about secret preparations for social collapse are becoming commonplace. From remote sanctuaries in New Zealand to reinforced basements in Hawaii, influential tech innovators are reportedly investing in contingency plans.

Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook, is also rumored to possess a “small shelter” on his private island, though, much like Altman, he reportedly shies away from classifying it as a “fortified shelter,” according to reports.

OpenAI Co-founder’s Cryptic Remark

The foresight extends to Altman‘s colleagues at OpenAI. In Karen Hao’s book, “The Empire of Artificial Intelligence,” a reference is made to the company’s own shelter plans. During a 2023 meeting, Ilya Sutskever, a co-founder of OpenAI, remarked, “Once we all go into the hideout…” This comment, which initially startled attendees, was later explained by Sutskever as a commitment: “We will definitely build a hideout before the launch of public artificial intelligence.”

“We will definitely build a hideout before the launch of public artificial intelligence.”

—Ilya Sutskever, Co-founder, OpenAI

Preparing for an Uncertain Future

These actions underscore a growing concern among top technology executives about potential global crises, including armed conflict and severe political instability. Recent data suggests a significant portion of the global population shares these anxieties, with searches for “prepper supplies” increasing by 300% in the last five years (Statista, 2023).

In essence, technology leaders appear to be proactively preparing for a future where innovation alone may not suffice; a comprehensive strategy to weather all possibilities seems to be the new imperative.