Is Big Tech’s AI slowdown a safety pact or a cartel?

The script

Panel 1

Alex, an inventor in his lab, frowns at his computer screen. Sam, a pragmatic tech worker, chuckles and shakes his head.

Alex: Oh no, the AI gods are slacking off. It's like they're taking a collective nap.

Sam: Looks like it's a safety nap, or a nap to save their bacon. Either way, it's a nap that got them in trouble.

Panel 2

Rob, the chaos catalyst, rolls his eyes and waves his arms.

Rob: It's either a safety nap, a nap to save their bacon, or a nap to make sure their rival, the AI gods, don't take over. Whatever it is, it's a nap that makes the AI gods seem like a bunch of chicken-scratching do-gooders.

Panel 3

Alex, still frowning, looks at Sam and Robin. Sam and Robin nod in unison, their expressions reflecting a mix of exasperation and amusement.

Alex: Should I just go ahead and start developing my own AI just to be safe? Or is that a slippery slope we're on here?