Investor Michael Burry, known as the real-life inspiration for The Big Short, questioned recent calls from AI executives to slow frontier AI development, saying the stance carries an obvious element of self-interest, according to BlockBeats on Sept. 14.
Burry said there is currently little for humanity to fear. He argued that large language models, or LLMs, are not the same as AI and will not become the route to artificial general intelligence, or AGI, so there is no need to slow development.
Burry says a slowdown would favor dominant AI firms
In his view, slowing AI progress would help major players such as OpenAI and Anthropic consolidate their advantages while putting pressure on smaller competitors.
He also said that repeated claims from major firms that AI could create an existential risk to humanity may also keep market excitement elevated and build momentum for future IPOs and fundraising.
He has previously warned about AI industry excesses
BlockBeats noted that Burry has repeatedly warned about excessive infrastructure investment, aggressive accounting, hidden debt, and circular financing in the AI sector.
Comments come as leading executives back slower AI development
Burry’s latest remarks came as Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei called on the industry to slow AI development. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, xAI CEO Elon Musk, and Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis have also expressed support.
AI-related stocks have already come under pressure
Market concerns over a potential slowdown in AI development have already hit related stocks. Nvidia was down about 3% in Monday premarket trading, while Intel, Micron, and SK Hynix each fell more than 5%.
Burry said that, at least for now, LLMs such as Claude and ChatGPT will not have genuine reasoning ability and that there is "nothing to be afraid of."