AI Safety Activist Sam Kirchner Declares "I'm Willing to Die for This" Amidst Escalating Debate

Sam Kirchner, co-founder of the StopAI organization, recently made a stark declaration, stating, "I'm willing to die for this," during an appearance on the "For Humanity" podcast. The comment, captured in a screenshot by Dr. Nirit Weiss-Blatt and shared on social media, quickly circulated before the original podcast tweet was reportedly deleted by John Sherman, now associated with the AI Risk Network. This statement underscores the fervent and increasingly high-stakes nature of the artificial intelligence safety debate.

Kirchner's remark highlights the extreme conviction held by some within the AI safety movement, who believe that the unchecked development of artificial general intelligence (AGI) poses an existential threat to humanity. StopAI, co-founded by Kirchner and Guido Reichstader, advocates for a permanent global ban on artificial superintelligence, organizing protests and engaging in civil disobedience against AI companies like OpenAI. Kirchner, an engineer influenced by Nick Bostrom's "Superintelligence," has previously been involved in protests, including arrests for blocking company entrances.

The "For Humanity" podcast, hosted by Peabody Award-winning journalist John Sherman, has since rebranded as The AI Risk Network, maintaining its focus on bringing AI existential risk into public discourse. Sherman's network aims to make AI safety a "kitchen-table conversation," consistently highlighting the potential for human extinction due to advanced AI. The reported deletion of the tweet containing Kirchner's quote suggests a potential effort to manage the public perception of the movement's more radical expressions.

StopAI's stance, while emphasizing non-violence in its core mission, has seen its co-founder, Kirchner, previously involved in controversial incidents, including an alleged assault on another member over access to funds. The group's activities often involve direct action and public demonstrations, aiming to raise alarm about what they perceive as an impending catastrophe. This latest statement from Kirchner further illustrates the deep-seated fears and the intensity of commitment among those dedicated to halting advanced AI development.