Anxiety, resentment around AI spur violence against tech's figureheads
Several proponents of artificial intelligence (AI) have been victims of violent acts, including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, whose home was targeted with a Molotov cocktail on April 10. The violence reflects growing resentment towards AI advocates, with some attributing it to the 'AI existential risk' rhetoric.
Proponents of artificial intelligence (AI) have faced violent acts recently, reflecting growing public resentment. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's home was targeted with a Molotov cocktail on April 10, and a suspect, 20-year-old Daniel Moreno-Gama, was arrested. Indianapolis city councilmember Ron Gibson had 13 bullets shot through his front door after supporting a data center project on April 6. The attacks have no demonstrable ties to each other. Researcher Nirit Weiss-Blatt notes that the 'AI existential risk' rhetoric may radicalize vulnerable individuals. Tech companies have seen an uptick in demand for physical protection. Organizations like Pause AI and Stop AI worry they will be associated with endorsing violence. Valerie Sizemore, cofounder of Stop AI, condemned violence, urging non-violent actions instead.
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