With the growing fears of catastrophic risks posed by artificial intelligence, several tech industry billionaires are investing in land equipped with underground bunkers and secure shelters. Among them, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg is notably constructing a massive 1,400-acre compound in the U.S. state of Hawaii.
Reports suggest Zuckerberg has also purchased 11 additional properties in Palo Alto, California, including one with a 7,000-square-foot underground space. He is not alone. Other technology company owners are also buying land designed with built-in bunkers for emergency refuge.
LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman had previously discussed the concept of large-scale “catastrophe insurance” and even hinted at building a home in New Zealand. Such moves raise questions about whether these wealthy figures are preparing for potential disasters such as war, climate change, or other global crises unknown to the public.
In recent years, artificial intelligence has emerged as one of the most significant new risks. The rapid advancement of AI has alarmed many observers. In mid-2023, a San Francisco firm released ChatGPT, which is now used by millions worldwide and is being continuously upgraded.
Artificial General Intelligence Revolution or Disaster?
According to journalist Karen Hao’s book, OpenAI’s chief scientist, Ilya Sutskever, believes scientists are close to creating Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), a stage where machines could match human intelligence.
Hao wrote that Sutskever once told colleagues that underground shelters should be built for key personnel before the release of AGI. This indicates that prominent scientists and tech executives working in AI are deeply concerned about its future implications.
The question remains: when will AGI arrive, and will it truly bring such profound changes that ordinary people should fear it? Major tech leaders insist AGI is inevitable.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said at the end of 2024 that AGI might emerge sooner than many expect. Some experts predict it could take five to ten years, while others believe it may be developed by 2026. AI continues to grow rapidly, with numerous companies worldwide competing in this field.
According to a BBC report, Zuckerberg’s Hawaiian compound includes a self-sufficient shelter equipped with its own power and food supply. Surrounded by a six-foot wall, the massive structure has led neighbors to describe it as a “bunker.”
