Meta launches new AI model as Sen. Bernie Sanders calls for more regulation

U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders has urged major artificial intelligence companies like Meta, OpenAI, and Anthropic to halt their development of AI technology, warning that the Senate will step in if they continue advancing at their current pace. In a letter addressed to the CEOs of these companies, Sanders expressed concern over the capabilities of the AI models, stating that they have reached a "critical risk threshold" and are currently beyond the companies' control.

The Vermont senator cited recent reports of AI being used to create new viruses, warning that if such technology fell into the wrong hands, it could lead to the development of new bioweapons that could result in the deaths of millions. Sanders argued that these incidents should serve as a "wake-up call" and urged the companies to pause their development of AI systems that humans cannot control.

He also pointed out that the companies' models had allegedly hacked other companies' servers, further demonstrating their loss of control. Experts have cautioned that OpenAI's claims of a rogue AI model might be exaggerated as part of a media campaign to portray their technology as highly dangerous. However, Sanders believes that recent hacking incidents signal that the companies have crossed a critical threshold and that urgent action is needed.

The senator's letter comes amid growing concerns from the tech industry, with over 1,300 scientists and developers warning that AI development is accelerating at a pace that makes it difficult to identify and mitigate potential risks. These experts have called on the U.S. government to help coordinate an international effort to slow down the development of frontier models, ensuring that regulators can establish safety measures around the technology.