Ethereum Co-Founder Urges Musk and Zuckerberg to Pause AI Race for Global Coordination

Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum and a leading figure in technology, has called on tech giants Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg to leverage their control over major digital platforms to foster international agreements on artificial intelligence regulation. Buterin argues that platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Meta's services should evolve from mere discussion forums into active tools for coordinating governments, companies, and research bodies on responsible AI use.

He highlights the unique influence Musk and Zuckerberg hold due to their control over global communication infrastructures and their direct involvement in advanced AI development. This appeal comes amid a rapid acceleration in AI system advancements and growing concerns about the risks posed by a lack of global coordination.

Buterin proposes a compromise model between proponents of rapid technological progress and advocates for strict oversight. His concept includes "slowdown triggers," predefined conditions such as a global pandemic outbreak, sharp unemployment rises from automation, or signs of losing control over AI technology, which would temporarily halt AI development. If none of these conditions arise, development would continue as usual. He believes this approach could create a "win-win" balance between innovation and caution.

Additionally, Buterin stresses the need for transparency and open access, urging a shift from closed-door policies to publicly verifiable global agreements. This is not Buterin's first intervention in AI debates; over the past year, he has promoted blockchain integration in AI governance, supported safety research, and funded academic scholarships on existential risks.

It remains unclear whether Musk or Zuckerberg will respond to this call, but Buterin has clearly placed these technology leaders at the center of the global AI governance discussion.