In a new essay published on September 6, 2026, OpenAI’s Chief Scientist Jakub Pachocki argues that no AI lab has yet achieved the level of alignment and monitoring needed to responsibly continue scaling at maximum speed. The essay, titled “An Alien Mind,” was posted on OpenAI’s website and outlines Pachocki’s concerns about the current pace of AI development.
No Lab Has Solved Alignment and Monitoring
Pachocki states plainly that the industry has not yet solved the core challenges of AI alignment—ensuring AI systems act in line with human intentions—and monitoring, which involves tracking and controlling AI behavior. Without these safeguards, he believes that continuing to scale AI at maximum speed is not responsible.
Expects Voluntary Slowdowns to Become Commonplace
In the essay, Pachocki writes that he expects and hopes that voluntary slowdowns will become a normal practice among AI developers until shared safety bars are established. He suggests that labs should be willing to pause or reduce the pace of their work to allow time for safety measures to catch up.
International Coordination as a Top Priority
Pachocki also emphasizes that international coordination on future AI development needs to become a top priority. He argues that global cooperation is essential to ensure that safety standards are consistent and that no single entity or country races ahead without adequate safeguards.
“An Alien Mind” reflects a growing concern within the AI community about the balance between rapid innovation and the need for robust safety protocols. Pachocki’s call for shared safety bars and voluntary slowdowns highlights the need for collective action in an industry often characterized by competition.
