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AI is far more dangerous than nukes. [...] My biggest fear with AI is not that it will develop a will of its own, but that it will follow the will of people who control it.

Elon Reeve Musk

MIT AeroAstro Centennial Symposium, 2014 · Checked on 26 February 2026
AI is far more dangerous than nukes. [...] My biggest fear with AI is not that it will develop a will of its own, but that it will follow the will of people who control it.

Analysis

Video footage and transcripts from the MIT AeroAstro Centennial Symposium in 2014 show Musk stating that AI poses a greater existential risk than nuclear weapons and expressing concern that AI could be used by those who control it. Multiple reputable news outlets cited the same remarks. The quote matches the recorded speech, confirming its authenticity.

Background

During a 2014 talk at MIT, Musk warned about the potential dangers of artificial intelligence, comparing its risk to that of nuclear weapons. He emphasized that the real threat could come from AI being directed by malicious actors rather than from autonomous AI motives. His comments have been widely referenced in discussions about AI safety.

Verdict summary

Elon Musk made the quoted remarks about AI being more dangerous than nuclear weapons at the MIT AeroAstro Centennial Symposium in 2014.

Sources consulted

— https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2r2fD7D4cA (MIT AeroAstro Centennial Symposium – Elon Musk 2014)
— https://www.businessinsider.com/elon-musk-ai-more-dangerous-than-nukes-2018-2
— https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/sep/18/elon-musk-artificial-intelligence-technology-threat