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Latest revision as of 12:42, 10 February 2026
Defensive accelerationism (d/acc) is a philosophical movement advocating differential technological development to mitigate existential risks while promoting human flourishing. First articulated by Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin in his 2023 essay “My Techno-Optimism,” d/acc prioritizes technologies that enhance defense, decentralization, democracy, and safety.
The term “d/acc” references defense, decentralization, democracy, and differential development, distinguishing it from effective accelerationism (e/acc).
– Defense: Biosecurity, cyber defenses, resilient supply chains
– Decentralization: Distributed systems reducing centralized power
– Democracy: Equitable access and oversight in innovation
– Differential development: Accelerate safe tech, slow dangerous tech
Building on Nick Bostrom‘s differential technological development, Buterin formalized d/acc in November 2023 amid AI governance debates.
– Pandemic prevention (decentralized vaccines, detection)
– AI safety and alignment tools
– Information ecosystem improvements like “Community Notes for everything”
