Vitalik Buterin Explores AI Superintelligence Risks and Potential Global Compute Pause

• Vitalik Buterin proposes limiting industrial-scale compute power to mitigate potential AI superintelligence risks and societal disruptions.
• The d/acc philosophy advocates for technological growth focused on security, decentralization, and distributed control over AI development.

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has raised concerns about the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential implications for global stability. In a January 5 blog post, Buterin suggested that a temporary reduction in industrial-scale computing power could act as a safeguard to mitigate risks posed by AI superintelligence.

Continuing with the ETH reports in ETHNews. According to Buterin, this “soft pause” could limit global compute power by up to 99% for one to two years, allowing society to assess and prepare for the broader consequences of AI advancements.

This perspective builds upon his earlier advocacy for “defensive accelerationism” (d/acc)—a philosophy that emphasizes advancing technology while prioritizing security and decentralization.

AI Regulation vs. Compute Restrictions: Weighing the Options

Buterin’s concerns align with a growing industry-wide debate on AI’s potential to surpass human cognitive capabilities. His stance suggests that current liability-based regulations may be insufficient in mitigating risks associated with AI-driven automation and intelligence expansion.

Among proposed solutions, Buterin suggests tracking AI chip locations and implementing international verification mechanisms to regulate industrial-scale AI hardware. This system could require weekly authorization from major global entities, ensuring that AI-powered systems remain accountable and controllable.

The Intersection of AI, Blockchain, and Decentralization

In addition to AI governance, Buterin highlights the growing relevance of blockchain technologies in enhancing decentralized security.

He notes that zero-knowledge proofs (ZK-SNARKs) could be leveraged to provide verifiable attestations on whether AI systems adhere to regulatory guidelines.

The d/acc movement, which advocates for differentiated technological advancement, aligns with Ethereum’s broader mission of decentralized control.

Buterin underscores that technological progress should empower distributed networks rather than centralized authorities, referencing historical models of self-regulated societies as potential frameworks for AI governance.

Ethereum (ETH) is currently trading at $3,654.45, reflecting a 1.17% increase in the last 24 hours. Its market capitalization stands at $439.99 billion, with a 24-hour trading volume of $16.63 billion, marking a 6.79% increase. The circulating supply is 120.47 million ETH, with no fixed maximum supply.

Ethereum continues to strengthen its position as the leading smart contract platform, with its Layer 2 solutions improving scalability while maintaining security and decentralization. Ethereum spot ETFs have attracted $2.1 billion in inflows, reinforcing its institutional adoption and long-term investment potential.