Extinction Bounties

A plan to make dangerous AI development illegal, and to actually enforce it.

by Andrew Quinn

Objections

  • 12. The Catches

    The strongest objections to the mechanism, collected in one place, stated at full strength, and answered only where I can answer them.

    alpha revised 2026-09-11

  • But Who Would Insure a Criminal?

    The objection is not that insurers would refuse. It is that in most jurisdictions they are forbidden. The answer is that a bounty is not a punishment for intentional harm, and the industry already has the machinery for exactly this.

    alpha revised 2026-09-11

  • When Your Insurer Collects the Bounty

    An insurer that turns in its own policyholder pays the fine and collects the bounty, netting roughly nothing. That arithmetic breaks the moment the policy excludes willful violations — which insurance law all but requires.

    alpha 11 September 2026

Policy-research disclaimer

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. Readers remain responsible for ensuring their actions comply with the laws and professional standards of their own jurisdictions.

Exploratory and personal views

All scenarios, numerical examples and opinions are research hypotheses presented by the author in a personal 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 against misuse. References to enforcement, penalties, or "bounties" are illustrative models, not instructions or invitations to engage in private policing or unlawful conduct. Nothing here is directed at any identifiable individual — see non-targeting.

No warranty and 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.