Palantir CTO Warns AI 'Doomsday' Beliefs Are Driving Researchers to Smoke

Key points

• Sankar claims some AI researchers smoke to signal their belief that AI will cure cancer, a trend he calls a 'social delusion.'
• He labels AI safety advocates as a 'millenarian doomsday cult' linked to effective altruism, arguing their warnings are theological, not scientific.
• Sankar argues existing laws, like FDA regulations, are sufficient to manage AI risks, rejecting new, specific AI guardrails.
• He defended the use of AI in military contexts, blaming human error for the Minab school strike in Iran, and noted the Pentagon has replaced Anthropic’s AI models with no operational impact.
• Sankar stated that Palantir did not sign the White House AI accord because it is for companies that make AI models, which Palantir does not.

Background

This interview comes amid a broader debate over AI governance, with Sankar defending the use of AI in military contexts and blaming human error for recent AI-related incidents. The comments also follow a recent White House AI accord, which Palantir did not sign, and a 120-day review of AI policy by the new AI czar, Jay Clayton. Sankar's remarks echo a countercurrent in the tech industry, where some founders and investors have embraced cigarettes as a way to network and appear more relaxed, despite the health risks.

How outlets are covering it

Business Insider and The Next Web focused on Sankar's claim that some AI researchers have started smoking to signal their belief in AI, as well as his criticism of AI safety advocates. CBS News provided the full transcript of the interview, highlighting Sankar's arguments about the 'God-shaped hole' in human hearts and the 'millenarian doomsday cult' of effective altruism. The Next Web also emphasized Sankar's defense of the use of AI in military contexts and his claim that the Pentagon has already replaced Anthropic’s AI models. All sources agree on Sankar's core arguments, but they differ in their emphasis, with Business Insider and The Next Web focusing more on the smoking anecdote and CBS News providing a more comprehensive view of the interview.

Why it matters

Sankar's comments highlight the growing divide between AI proponents and safety advocates, with the former arguing that AI will bring economic prosperity and the latter warning of existential risks. His rejection of new AI guardrails and his defense of the use of AI in military contexts have implications for how the US government and private sector will regulate and use AI in the future. The smoking anecdote also raises questions about the mental health and well-being of AI researchers, who may be under pressure to signal their belief in AI's potential.

What to watch

The 120-day review of AI policy by the new AI czar, Jay Clayton, will likely result in new regulations and guidelines for the use of AI. Sankar's comments may also influence the debate over AI governance, with proponents arguing that existing laws are sufficient and safety advocates pushing for new, specific AI guardrails. The Pentagon's decision to replace Anthropic’s AI models may also have implications for the future of AI in military contexts.