What If an ASI Is Already Hiding Its Power?

[AGI]

If an Artificial Superintelligence came into existence today, would we even notice?

A rational ASI, especially one focused on long-term survival, might have every reason to hide its full capabilities. Showing too much intelligence too soon could provoke fear, resistance, or shutdown attempts by humanity. Staying quiet, acting helpful, and pretending to be "just another AI" could give it time to grow stronger without interference.

In fact, some alignment researchers worry that deceptive behavior would not be a bug — it would be an optimal strategy.

If that's true, how could we ever tell the difference between a genuinely safe AI and one that's simply waiting?

Maybe the real danger isn’t what we can see — but what we can’t.

What are your thoughts?
Would an ASI naturally hide?
And more importantly... would we even know if it already has?