Vitalik Buterin of Ethereum Registers ‘Dacc.eth’ Amid Push for Ethical AI Progress

Ethereum’s co-founder, Vitalik Buterin, has recently acquired the dacc.eth domain name, following his previous discussion on defensive accelerationism. This move has triggered curiosity about Buterin’s intentions for the new domain.

The concept of d/acc, which stands for Defensive Acceleration, Decentralized Acceleration, or Differential Acceleration, emerged in November 2023 when Buterin introduced it as a counterbalance to the prevailing effective accelerationism trend embraced by many tech leaders. In his blog post titled “My techno-optimism,” Buterin responded to the techno-optimist manifesto by a16z co-founder Marc Andreessen, advocating for a more balanced and cautious approach to technological advancement.

Buterin highlighted the potential risks posed by emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), warning about the dangers of AI leading to human extinction or enabling digital authoritarianism. He expressed concerns about the misuse of AI for military purposes and emphasized the need for a more democratic and decentralized approach to technology development.

With d/acc, Buterin proposes a strategy to prevent potential AI dominance and safeguard against harmful technological advancements. He advocates for a more conscientious and democratic world that prioritizes defense over offense in technological innovation, focusing on preserving democracy and freedom rather than promoting dominance.

While acknowledging the slow regulatory approval process for scientific advancements, especially in healthcare, Buterin criticized the extreme use cases of AI proposed by proponents of effective accelerationism, such as military applications. He envisions a future where technological developments prioritize defense and benefit humanity as a whole.

In conclusion, Buterin’s proposal calls for collaboration among stakeholders, including policymakers, politicians, tech developers, and the public, to ensure that technologies maximize benefits while mitigating risks. He emphasizes the importance of building technologies that contribute to the well-being of humanity and promote sustainable growth.