Tech Leaders and Public Figures Unite in Call for Superintelligence Moratorium

Global Coalition Demands Pause on Advanced AI Development

In an unprecedented show of concern, more than 800 prominent figures across technology, politics, entertainment, and academia have signed a statement calling for a prohibition on artificial intelligence research that could lead to superintelligence. The signatories include Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, Prince Harry, Nobel Prize-winning AI researcher Geoffrey Hinton, former Trump aide Steve Bannon, former Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mike Mullen, and musician Will.i.am.

Global Coalition Demands Pause on Advanced AI Development
The Growing Divide in AI Development Philosophy
Industry Leaders Push Forward Despite Concerns
Broader Context of AI Regulation Efforts

The statement, organized by the Future of Life Institute, represents one of the most diverse coalitions ever assembled around AI safety concerns. “We call for a prohibition on the development of superintelligence, not lifted before there is broad scientific consensus that it will be done safely and controllably, and strong public buy-in,” the declaration states.

The Growing Divide in AI Development Philosophy

Anthony Aguirre, executive director of the Future of Life Institute, expressed concern about the current trajectory of AI development. “We’ve, at some level, had this path chosen for us by the AI companies and founders and the economic system that’s driving them, but no one’s really asked almost anybody else, ‘Is this what we want?’” he told NBC News.

The statement highlights the fundamental distinction between current AI capabilities and the theoretical future of superintelligence. While today’s AI systems excel at specific, narrow tasks, artificial general intelligence (AGI) would enable machines to reason and perform tasks as well as humans. Superintelligence would surpass even the brightest human experts in virtually every domain.

Industry Leaders Push Forward Despite Concerns

Notably absent from the signatories are the very leaders driving the AI revolution forward. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently declared that superintelligence was “in sight,” while X CEO Elon Musk claimed it “is happening in real time.” OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has projected superintelligence could arrive by 2030 at the latest., according to market trends

Despite the lack of recent breakthroughs in achieving true general intelligence, companies continue investing billions into new AI models and the massive data center infrastructure required to support them. This disconnect between cautionary voices and commercial investment highlights the complex ethical landscape surrounding advanced AI development., as as previously reported

Broader Context of AI Regulation Efforts

This statement represents the latest in a series of calls for greater oversight of artificial intelligence development. Last month, more than 200 researchers and public officials, including 10 Nobel Prize winners, released an urgent call for establishing “red lines” against AI risks. However, that initiative focused on more immediate concerns like mass unemployment, climate change impacts, and human rights abuses rather than theoretical superintelligence.

The debate occurs against a backdrop of increasing scrutiny around AI’s economic implications, with some experts warning of a potential AI bubble that could have significant consequences for global markets. As investment pours into AI startups and infrastructure, the tension between innovation and precaution continues to intensify.

The diverse coalition behind this latest statement suggests that concerns about AI development are no longer confined to technology circles but have become a mainstream issue crossing political, cultural, and professional boundaries. As the AI landscape evolves, the conversation around appropriate safeguards and development pace is likely to grow even more prominent in public discourse.