Realtime Techpocalypse Newsletter

Effective Altruism Is a Dangerous Cult — Here's Why

A long-form critical essay by Émile P. Torres arguing that the effective altruism movement has become a cult-like ideology with its own doctrines, charismatic leaders, jargon and social controls — and that this matters for how AI is being developed.

From the site: Understanding the "Scientology of Silicon Valley." (7,700 words)

'Eugenics on steroids': the toxic and contested legacy of Oxford's Future of Humanity Institute

Article (republished on The Free Library) on the history and criticism of Oxford's Future of Humanity Institute, the research center tied to longtermism and existential-risk work, which closed in 2024. The page blocked an automated check, so this description is based on the title.

Some Anthropic Veterans Are Reportedly Buying Remote Land in Case AI Goes Awry

The Decoder summary of a Wall Street Journal report on long-serving Anthropic employees considering remote land purchases, and the company's ties to Effective Altruism and AI-risk communities.

Bristol Venues Strike Back Against AI-Generated Artwork

BBC News report on Café Kino and other Bristol venues banning AI-generated artwork, citing ethical and sustainability concerns.

A Guide to the Different Factions in the AI Safety Debate (NPR, Sept. 2026)

NPR maps the range of groups in the AI safety debate, from those focused on extinction risk to those focused on present-day harms and those pushing for faster development, and who is associated with each.

Standing with Dr. Timnit Gebru (Google Walkout for Real Change)

The December 2020 open letter from Google Walkout for Real Change supporting Timnit Gebru after her departure from Google's Ethical AI team, with its list of signatories. An advocacy document written by her supporters.

The Techno-Optimist Manifesto

Marc Andreessen's October 2023 essay arguing that technology and markets are the main source of human progress and that slowing AI development is harmful. Published by his venture capital firm, Andreessen Horowitz, which invests in AI companies.