Michaël Trazzi, 30, leads the Stop the AI Race movement in the United States, advocating for a pause in artificial intelligence development. The movement pressures major technology companies over potential risks the technology poses to humanity. Trazzi is the grandson of former congressman Rubens Paiva, who was killed by the military dictatorship, and Eunice Paiva, whose life story inspired the 2025 Oscar-winning film “I’m Still Here.”
Trazzi gained public attention in September last year following a hunger strike targeting AI companies. He protested outside Google DeepMind’s headquarters in London, fasting for seven days before stopping on medical advice. During this period, he lost five kilograms.
His involvement in activism began after viewing “I’m Still Here” at the New York Film Festival. Trazzi stated, “I never saw my grandfather in life. I hadn’t read the book. It was the first time I saw what he did, the risks he took.”
The Stop the AI Race movement focuses on the ethical implications and potential dangers of advanced AI. Its primary goal is to compel technology firms to halt or significantly slow their development of AI systems. This stance reflects growing concerns among some groups regarding the unchecked progression of artificial intelligence.
The connection to Eunice Paiva and her story, depicted in “I’m Still Here,” adds a layer of personal history to Trazzi’s activism. The film, which won the 2025 Oscar for Best International Feature Film, brought renewed attention to the Paiva family’s experiences under the military dictatorship.
The protests led by Trazzi represent a segment of public opinion calling for greater scrutiny and regulation of AI technology. These actions aim to influence corporate policies and potentially government oversight regarding AI research and deployment.
The long-term impact of the Stop the AI Race movement on technology company practices remains uncertain. The debate over AI development speed and safety continues to evolve, with various stakeholders holding differing views on the appropriate path forward.
Future developments will likely involve ongoing discussions between activists, technology leaders, and policymakers. The movement’s ability to sustain pressure and influence public discourse will be key to its effectiveness in shaping the future of artificial intelligence.