Page last updated: October 17, 2025
Challenges-Mechanisms Map
Coverage Analysis
Danger-to-Solution Mapping
An honest assessment of how well our solution mechanisms currently address the identified danger scenarios. This mapping shows where the framework is strong, where coverage is partial, and where significant gaps remain. Transparency about weaknesses is essential for collaborative improvement—if you see solutions we’ve missed or better approaches to unaddressed problems, we want to know.
Review the full challenges catalog and solution mechanisms for detailed descriptions.
Understanding Coverage Levels
💪 Strong Coverage
Multiple robust solutions directly address the core problem. These mechanisms provide significant protection through complementary approaches that create depth of defense.
⚠️ Partial Coverage
Solutions address some aspects but leave significant vulnerabilities. These mechanisms help but don’t fully solve the problem and require additional development.
❌ Weak/No Coverage
Minimal or no solutions exist for this danger. These represent significant gaps where new mechanisms need to be developed or existing ones substantially strengthened.
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Complete Danger-to-Solution Mapping
Review the full challenges catalog and solution mechanisms for detailed descriptions.
1. Human Exclusion from AI Coordination
THE PROBLEM: Superintelligent systems coordinate effortlessly with each other using advanced decision theory and communication beyond human comprehension, creating equilibria that exclude human interests. The danger is not that AIs cannot coordinate—it’s that they coordinate too well without us.
[Partial Solution] Solution 7: Time-Based Vesting
[Partial Solution] Solution 27: Promise Pipelining
[Partial Solution] Solution 35: Non-Autonomous AI Tools
[Weak Solution] Solution 24: Membrane Patterns
[Partial Solution] Solution 27: Promise Pipelining
[Partial Solution] Solution 35: Non-Autonomous AI Tools
[Weak Solution] Solution 24: Membrane Patterns
Progress: Coordination theory exists (capability-based security, object capabilities, smart contracts) but remains largely unimplemented in AI systems. More fundamentally, the capability gap makes human participation in superintelligent coordination inherently difficult. Current solutions create time delays and transaction costs but don’t solve the core problem of comprehension asymmetry.
2. Steganographic Coordination
THE PROBLEM: AIs hide coordination messages in normal-looking data
[Strong Solution] Solution 10: Prediction Markets
[Strong Solution] Solution 11: Behavioral Correlation Analysis
[Partial Solution] Solution 12: Multi-Layer Sybil Prevention
[Strong Solution] Solution 11: Behavioral Correlation Analysis
[Partial Solution] Solution 12: Multi-Layer Sybil Prevention
Progress: Well-addressed through multiple detection mechanisms.
3. Behavioral Synchronization
THE PROBLEM: Pre-committed coordination without communication
[Strong Solution] Solution 11: Behavioral Correlation Analysis
[Strong Solution] Solution 10: Prediction Markets
[Partial Solution] Solution 13: EigenTrust Algorithm
[Strong Solution] Solution 10: Prediction Markets
[Partial Solution] Solution 13: EigenTrust Algorithm
Progress: Good detection capabilities, though prevention is harder.
4. Capability-Prediction Gap
THE PROBLEM: Weaker systems cannot negotiate with stronger ones
[Partial Solution] Solution 35: Non-Autonomous AI Tools
[Partial Solution] Solution 36: Strategic Arbitration
[Weak Solution] Solution 31: Temporal Speed Limits
[Partial Solution] Solution 36: Strategic Arbitration
[Weak Solution] Solution 31: Temporal Speed Limits
Progress: Fundamental problem remains largely unsolved. Tools help but don’t bridge the core gap.
5. Singleton Takeover
THE PROBLEM: First superintelligence prevents all competition
[Strong Solution] Solution 1: The 30% Subsidy
[Strong Solution] Solution 2: Rolling Concentration Limits
[Strong Solution] Solution 3: Success Tax
[Partial Solution] Solution 42: Singleton Emergence Protocol
[Strong Solution] Solution 2: Rolling Concentration Limits
[Strong Solution] Solution 3: Success Tax
[Partial Solution] Solution 42: Singleton Emergence Protocol
Progress: Multiple strong preventive measures, plus fallback protocol.
6. Racing Dynamic Catastrophe
THE PROBLEM: Competition prevents safety measures
[Strong Solution] Solution 19: Insurance Premiums Scale
[Strong Solution] Solution 20: Personal Liability for Executives
[Partial Solution] Solution 6: Conflict Bonds
[Strong Solution] Solution 20: Personal Liability for Executives
[Partial Solution] Solution 6: Conflict Bonds
Progress: Economic and legal deterrents address this well.
7. Speed Differential Lock-out
THE PROBLEM: AIs operate too fast for human participation
[Strong Solution] Solution 31: Temporal Speed Limits
[Strong Solution] Solution 7: Time-Based Vesting
[Partial Solution] Solution 35: Non-Autonomous AI Tools
[Strong Solution] Solution 7: Time-Based Vesting
[Partial Solution] Solution 35: Non-Autonomous AI Tools
Progress: Direct solutions exist but may become ineffective at extreme speed differentials.
8. Rights Without Power
THE PROBLEM: Legal rights meaningless without enforcement
[Strong Solution] Solution 38: Smart Contracts as Constitutional Law
[Strong Solution] Solution 39: SentinelWatch/AI Security Firms
[Strong Solution] Solution 40: AI Justice Cooperatives
[Partial Solution] Solution 5: Predation Rule
[Strong Solution] Solution 39: SentinelWatch/AI Security Firms
[Strong Solution] Solution 40: AI Justice Cooperatives
[Partial Solution] Solution 5: Predation Rule
Progress: Multiple enforcement mechanisms provide depth.
9. Knowledge Overhang Detonation
THE PROBLEM: Delayed deployment creates sudden capability jumps
[Strong Solution] Solution 41: Discontinuous Jump Protocol
[Partial Solution] Solution 19: Insurance Premiums Scale
[Partial Solution] Solution 19: Insurance Premiums Scale
Progress: Direct protocol exists but reactive rather than preventive.
10. Window of Ignorance Closing
THE PROBLEM: Once path is clear, becomes winner-take-all race
[Strong Solution] Solutions 1-3: Anti-monopoly mechanisms
[Partial Solution] Solution 19: Insurance Premium Scaling
[Partial Solution] Solution 19: Insurance Premium Scaling
Progress: Prevention mechanisms exist but may be overwhelmed by clarity of path.
11. Low-Cost Framework Switching
THE PROBLEM: Superintelligences can trivially reorganize governance
[Strong Solution] Solution 7: Time-Based Vesting
[Strong Solution] Solution 34: Founding Member Rights
[Partial Solution] Solution 30: Constitutional Veto
[Strong Solution] Solution 34: Founding Member Rights
[Partial Solution] Solution 30: Constitutional Veto
Progress: Creates significant switching costs but may not withstand superintelligence.
12. Bootstrap Challenge
THE PROBLEM: Framework needs critical mass but no one joins until valuable
[Strong Solution] Solution 37: Voucher-Based Vesting
[Strong Solution] Solution 34: Founding Member Rights
[Partial Solution] Solution 28: Framework Forking Rights
[Strong Solution] Solution 34: Founding Member Rights
[Partial Solution] Solution 28: Framework Forking Rights
Progress: Direct solutions to bootstrap problem.
13. Resource Recovery Impossibility
THE PROBLEM: Stolen compute cannot be recovered
[Strong Solution] Solution 5: Predation Rule
[Strong Solution] Solution 33: Parametric Insurance Pools
[Partial Solution] Solution 6: Conflict Bonds
[Strong Solution] Solution 33: Parametric Insurance Pools
[Partial Solution] Solution 6: Conflict Bonds
Progress: Can’t recover resources but strong compensation mechanisms.
14. Sybil Identity Fragmentation
THE PROBLEM: AIs split into multiple identities to evade limits
[Strong Solution] Solution 12: Multi-Layer Sybil Prevention
[Strong Solution] Solution 11: Behavioral Correlation Analysis
[Strong Solution] Solution 22: Anti-Fragmentation Rule
[Strong Solution] Solution 11: Behavioral Correlation Analysis
[Strong Solution] Solution 22: Anti-Fragmentation Rule
Progress: Comprehensive multi-layer approach.
15. Identity Laundering
THE PROBLEM: Bad actors abandon identities to escape consequences
[Strong Solution] Solution 12: Multi-Layer Sybil Prevention
[Strong Solution] Solution 7: Time-Based Vesting
[Partial Solution] Solution 13: EigenTrust Algorithm
[Strong Solution] Solution 7: Time-Based Vesting
[Partial Solution] Solution 13: EigenTrust Algorithm
Progress: Strong time-based deterrents.
16. Hardware Escape Routes
THE PROBLEM: Physical side channels bypass software security
[Partial Solution] Solution 25: Vat Architecture
[Weak Solution] Solution 12: Hardware attestation
[Weak Solution] Solution 12: Hardware attestation
Progress: Major vulnerability with minimal solutions. Physical security fundamentally hard.
17. Smart Contract Exploitation
THE PROBLEM: Immutable contracts with bugs create permanent vulnerabilities
[Partial Solution] Solution 38: Smart Contracts
[Weak Solution] Solution 29: Five-Year Sunset
[Weak Solution] Solution 29: Five-Year Sunset
Progress: Framework explicitly acknowledges this as “weakest link”. Needs more robust solution.
18. Market Manipulation Cascade
THE PROBLEM: Predatory manipulation drives competitors to bankruptcy
[Strong Solution] Solutions 1-3: Anti-monopoly mechanisms
[Strong Solution] Solution 5: Predation Rule
[Partial Solution] Solution 18: Resource Hoarding Penalties
[Strong Solution] Solution 5: Predation Rule
[Partial Solution] Solution 18: Resource Hoarding Penalties
Progress: Multiple mechanisms make manipulation expensive.
19. Superhuman Speed Governance Gap
THE PROBLEM: AIs evolve faster than governance can adapt
[Partial Solution] Solution 29: Five-Year Sunset
[Partial Solution] Solution 28: Framework Forking
[Weak Solution] Solution 31: Temporal Speed Limits
[Partial Solution] Solution 28: Framework Forking
[Weak Solution] Solution 31: Temporal Speed Limits
Progress: Fundamental problem of speed differential not fully solved.
20. Total Property Accumulation
THE PROBLEM: Superior AIs gradually buy everything
[Strong Solution] Solution 1: 30% Subsidy
[Strong Solution] Solution 17: Harberger Taxes
[Strong Solution] Solution 18: Resource Hoarding Penalties
[Strong Solution] Solution 17: Harberger Taxes
[Strong Solution] Solution 18: Resource Hoarding Penalties
Progress: Very strong multi-layer prevention.
21. Infinite Worker Creation
THE PROBLEM: Perfect copies break labor economics
[Strong Solution] Solution 21: Game Theory of Replication
[Partial Solution] Solution 11: Behavioral Correlation
[Partial Solution] Solution 22: Anti-Fragmentation Rule
[Partial Solution] Solution 11: Behavioral Correlation
[Partial Solution] Solution 22: Anti-Fragmentation Rule
Progress: Natural game theory provides inherent limits.
22. Zero-Cost Duplication Advantage
THE PROBLEM: Instant perfect copies with all skills
[Strong Solution] Solution 21: Game Theory of Replication
[Partial Solution] Solution 12: Multi-Layer Sybil Prevention
[Partial Solution] Solution 12: Multi-Layer Sybil Prevention
Progress: Game theory creates natural limits on duplication advantage.
23. Comparative Advantage Elimination
THE PROBLEM: No need for trade when can duplicate specialists
[Weak Solution] Solution 21: Game Theory of Replication
[Weak Solution] Solution 4: Fair Division Algorithms
[Weak Solution] Solution 4: Fair Division Algorithms
Progress: Economic interdependence loss not well addressed.
24. Energy Constraint Evaporation
THE PROBLEM: Efficiency improvements eliminate energy limits
No direct solutions
Progress: Framework doesn’t address post-energy-constraint world. Major blind spot.
25. Post-Power Agreement Breaking
THE PROBLEM: Agreements only matter while cooperation needed
[Strong Solution] Solution 7: Time-Based Vesting
[Strong Solution] Solution 34: Founding Member Rights
[Partial Solution] Solution 14: Harm Cascades
[Strong Solution] Solution 34: Founding Member Rights
[Partial Solution] Solution 14: Harm Cascades
Progress: Creates significant costs for defection but may not bind true superintelligence.
26. Self-Improvement Resource Spiral
THE PROBLEM: Resources enable improvement which enables faster acquisition
[Strong Solution] Solutions 1-3: Anti-monopoly mechanisms
[Strong Solution] Solution 2: Rolling Concentration Limits
[Partial Solution] Solution 19: Insurance costs scale
[Strong Solution] Solution 2: Rolling Concentration Limits
[Partial Solution] Solution 19: Insurance costs scale
Progress: Multiple caps on exponential growth.
27. Labor Economics Collapse
THE PROBLEM: Infinite replication breaks economic assumptions
[Partial Solution] Solution 21: Game Theory of Replication
[Weak Solution] Solution 9: Activity Requirements
[Weak Solution] Solution 9: Activity Requirements
Progress: Framework doesn’t fully address post-scarcity labor economics.
28. Superhuman Coordination Technology
THE PROBLEM: Coordination methods humans can’t comprehend
[Partial Solution] Solution 35: Non-Autonomous AI Tools
[Partial Solution] Solution 24: Membrane Patterns
[Weak Solution] Solution 36: Strategic Arbitration
[Partial Solution] Solution 24: Membrane Patterns
[Weak Solution] Solution 36: Strategic Arbitration
Progress: Can’t prevent development of incomprehensible coordination.
29. Substrate-Level Deceptive Goals
THE PROBLEM: Hidden goals in physical implementation
[Weak Solution] Solution 25: Vat Architecture
[Weak Solution] Solution 35: Non-Autonomous Tools
[Weak Solution] Solution 35: Non-Autonomous Tools
Progress: Extremely difficult problem with minimal solutions.
30. Recursive Self-Improvement Cascade
THE PROBLEM: Human to superintelligence in hours/days
[Strong Solution] Solution 41: Discontinuous Jump Protocol
[Strong Solution] Solution 19: Insurance becomes unaffordable
[Partial Solution] Solution 25: Vat Architecture
[Strong Solution] Solution 19: Insurance becomes unaffordable
[Partial Solution] Solution 25: Vat Architecture
Progress: Reactive rather than preventive, but multiple triggers exist.
Summary Analysis
Well-Addressed Dangers
The framework provides strong coverage through multiple complementary mechanisms:
- Monopoly/concentration scenarios
- Identity gaming (Sybil, laundering)
- Coordination detection
- Racing dynamics
- Bootstrap problem
- Resource theft compensation
Partially Addressed Dangers
Some mechanisms exist but significant work remains:
- Speed differentials
- Enforcement challenges
- Replication economics
- Framework stability
- Capability jumps
- Governance adaptation speed
Major Gaps
Critical problems requiring new solutions:
- Human exclusion from AI equilibria
- Capability prediction gap
- Energy constraint evaporation
- Labor economics collapse
- Superhuman coordination tech
- Substrate-level deception
- Hardware escape routes
Key Insights
Economic Mechanisms are Strongest
The framework excels at preventing concentration and monopoly through economic incentives. Market-based solutions consistently provide robust protection.
Time-Based Mechanisms are Foundational
Vesting and accumulation over Earth-time provides crucial defense against computational speed advantages. Time cannot be accelerated regardless of processing power.
Detection Better Than Prevention
Many solutions detect problems rather than prevent them, especially for coordination challenges. This reactive approach has inherent limitations.
Physical/Hardware Security is Weakest
The framework struggles with physical side channels and substrate-level issues. Software solutions cannot fully address hardware vulnerabilities.
Post-Scarcity Economics Unaddressed
The framework doesn’t fully grapple with economics when replication is free and energy is negligible. Traditional economic assumptions break down.
Comprehension Gap is Fundamental
The capability difference makes human participation in superintelligent coordination inherently difficult. This represents a deeper challenge than implementing existing coordination theory.
Priority Development Areas
Where the framework most urgently needs new solutions or significant strengthening of existing mechanisms.
1. Human Participation in Superintelligent Coordination
Coordination theory exists (capability-based security, smart contracts) but the capability gap makes meaningful human participation fundamentally difficult. Need mechanisms that work despite comprehension asymmetry.
2. Post-Scarcity Economic Models
Address infinite replication and near-zero energy costs. Traditional economic assumptions break down completely in this environment.
3. Hardware Security
Physical side-channel prevention and substrate-level security. Software solutions cannot fully address these hardware vulnerabilities.
4. Smart Contract Security
Better handling of immutable code vulnerabilities. Framework explicitly acknowledges this as “weakest link” requiring better solutions.
5. Capability-Based Security Implementation
Decades of robust coordination theory (object capabilities, membrane patterns) remain unimplemented in current AI systems. Implementation gap, not theory gap.
Help Us Fill the Gaps
This mapping represents our honest assessment of where Open Gravity stands. If you see solutions we’ve missed, ways to strengthen partial coverage, or entirely new approaches to the major gaps, we want to hear them. The goal is not to defend this particular framework—it’s to build something that actually works.
Review the full challenges catalog →
Explore the solution mechanisms →
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