Effective altruism explained: The AI-linked giving philosophy beloved by Silicon Valley and opposed by Trump

Business Insider | 18-09-2026 03:51am |

Effective altruism, a philanthropic movement that encourages using evidence and reason to guide charitable giving, is back in the spotlight amid debates over AI safety and regulation. The movement has gained prominence as the AI boom creates new wealth among Silicon Valley supporters, but its influence on AI safety discussions has put it at odds with the Trump administration's push for rapid AI development. On Monday, President Donald Trump dismissed fears that advanced AI could threaten humanity, a stance that conflicts with effective altruism's focus on mitigating existential risks. The movement first gained widespread attention three years ago following the collapse of Sam Bankman-Fried's crypto empire.

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