Extinction Bounties

Policy-based deterrence for the 21st century.

Policy-Research Disclaimer (click to close)

Extinction Bounties publishes theoretical economic and legal mechanisms intended to stimulate scholarly and public debate on catastrophic-risk governance. The site offers policy analysis and advocacy only in the sense of outlining possible legislative or contractual frameworks.

  • No Legal or Financial Advice. Nothing here should be treated as a substitute for qualified legal counsel, financial due-diligence, or regulatory guidance. Stakeholders remain responsible for ensuring their actions comply with the laws and professional standards of their own jurisdictions.
  • Exploratory & Personal Views. All scenarios, numerical examples and opinions are research hypotheses presented by the author in an academic capacity. They do not represent the views of the author’s employer, funding bodies, or any governmental authority.
  • Implementation Caveats. Any real-world adoption of these ideas would require democratic deliberation, statutory authority, and robust safeguards to prevent misuse. References to enforcement, penalties, or “bounties” are illustrative models, not instructions or invitations to engage in private policing or unlawful conduct.
  • No Warranty & Limited Liability. Content is provided “as is” without warranty of completeness or accuracy; the author disclaims liability for losses arising from reliance on this material.

By continuing beyond this notice you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and accepted these conditions.

Our 2-minute elevator pitch


Main Sequence

[under construction] 02b. The Forward - deterrence straight from the underwriter's office

01. The Hook - What if Wrongdoers Paid for Their Own Busts?

02. The Gist - Using economics and game theory to bust criminals of any sophistication

03. [under construction] The Goal - Make dangerous researchers switch jobs

04. Making It Global - Treaties, Coalitions, Extraditions

05. Compare and Contrast - FIBs vs Other Tools

06. The Catches - Collusion, False Tips, and Chilling Effects

07. Next Steps - Pilots, Law Drafts, and Public Buy-In

Side Topics

[alpha] How large should an extinction bounty be?

[alpha] Should x-risk liability insurance be voluntary, or mandatory?

[alpha] What if someone cannot pay an extinction bounty they are guilty for?

Background Assumptions about Frontier AI Development

But Who Would Insure a Criminal?

Extinction Bounties vs. FIBs: Why the New Name?

Intellectual History of Anti-Humanity Thought

Intellectual History of Fine-Insured Bounties

Modern Proponents of Anti-Humanity Thought

The "you can't stop progress" fallacy

What About Turning Yourself In?

Meta

Contact us and source code

Request for anonymity

Statement of no commercial interest