Ilya Sutskever, co-founder and former chief scientist at OpenAI, raised eyebrows in the summer of 2023 when he reportedly addressed colleagues with a chilling remark: ‘Once we all get into the bunker…’ The comment, though cryptic, reflects growing concerns among AI researchers and technologists about the potentially profound risks posed by rapidly advancing artificial intelligence.
Sutskever, one of the lead architects behind ChatGPT, has long been known for his technical brilliance and philosophical engagement with long-term AI safety. According to individuals familiar with the situation, his statement was made during an internal discussion with scientists at OpenAI. While it’s unclear whether the remark was made in jest or as a serious precaution, it has since been cited by some insiders as indicative of deep-seated unease among top AI developers about the powerful systems they are helping to create.
The backdrop to this conversation was a period of rapid evolution and intense development at OpenAI. In the months leading up to the comment, the organization had released increasingly sophisticated versions of ChatGPT and similar models, fueling both excitement and trepidation within the tech community.
Sutskever has publicly advocated for careful oversight of AI and was instrumental in forming OpenAI’s ‘Superalignment’ team, a group dedicated to ensuring that advanced AI systems remain aligned with human values and intentions. His concerns echo those of other prominent figures in the field who have warned of scenarios in which artificial general intelligence (AGI) could act in ways that are unpredictable or harmful without proper safeguards.
While the phrase ‘once we all get into the bunker’ may have been hyperbolic, it captures a growing sense of both responsibility and apprehension among AI leaders. As AI systems grow more capable, the pressure to establish robust safety protocols and governance frameworks continues to mount.
The statement also contributes to a broader debate about how society should prepare for the future of AI — a future that promises enormous benefits but also significant risks, ranging from mass misinformation to economic disruption and existential safety concerns.
OpenAI has not issued a formal comment on the reported remark by Sutskever. However, the organization continues to promote transparency in AI research and emphasizes its commitment to long-term safety. Sutskever stepped back from day-to-day duties at OpenAI in early 2024 and has since launched a new venture focused on AI safety and alignment.
The quote, now circulating widely in tech circles, serves as a sobering reminder that even the inventors of today’s most powerful technologies are grappling with the implications of what they have created.
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