OpenAI Chief Scientist: We Must Rapidly Train Smarter Models to Build AI Defenses
Simon Willison · rss · 2026-09-08
OpenAI chief scientist Jakub Pachocki argues the strongest case for rapidly training much smarter models is the need to build defensive systems against dangers posed by other AI.
Key points:
- Powerful, aligned AI will be needed for defense: securing infrastructure, countering rogue agents in real time, and inventing new protective measures — a primary focus of OpenAI's deployment efforts.
- He cautions that the defensive imperative must not become an excuse for recklessness: once the stakes are internalized, racing forward at all costs seems absurd.
Simon Willison highlighted the remarks, fueling debate over the AI-arms-race framing of safety.
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