Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum, has publicly called on Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg to use their influence over major digital platforms like X and Meta’s networks to broker international agreements on artificial intelligence and avert an uncontrolled escalation in the global AI race. Buterin argued these platforms should function as active instruments for coordination among governments, companies and research organizations on AI regulation and responsible use, highlighting the “unique leverage” held by Musk and Zuckerberg from their control of global communications infrastructure and roles in developing advanced AI. The appeal comes amid rapid AI development and fears that a lack of international coordination could produce significant global risks. Buterin proposed “slowdown triggers”—predefined conditions that would automatically impose a temporary halt on AI development, citing scenarios such as a global pandemic outbreak, a sharp surge in unemployment driven by automation, or indications of a loss of control over the technology. He said such a framework could produce a “win-win” outcome, balancing innovation and caution, and emphasized transparency through globally verifiable agreements open to public scrutiny. It is unclear whether Musk or Zuckerberg will heed the call.