'Clear safety rules' needed amid rapid AI advances, says Bernie Sanders

Senator Bernie Sanders warned that the rapid growth of artificial intelligence could result in significant job losses and increased surveillance, overshadowing any potential benefits. At the Pro-Human Assembly, Sanders emphasized the need for strong AI regulation among a diverse assembly of politicians, technology experts, economists, and academics.

He lamented that Congress had not yet introduced any substantial AI-related regulatory legislation and vowed to introduce legislation soon to ban the development of AI super-intelligence that could not be controlled by humans. Sanders demanded clear safety rules be put in place by the most knowledgeable scientists in the country before development continues.

President Donald Trump dismissed calls for AI regulation, labeling them as part of a "hoax" and "sick conspiracy." Sanders criticized Trump's ignorance on the subject, calling it embarrassing. During the event, which took place days after AI executives Dario Amodei, Sam Altman, and Elon Musk agreed that certain aspects of development should be paused, former Trump adviser Steve Bannon accused AI executives of hypocrisy.

He alleged that they attempted to sneak an AI liability amnesty provision into various congressional bills before the provision was removed. Bannon claimed that AI executives wanted the American people to shoulder all the risks and receive bailouts while retaining the financial upside of AI.

Actress and activist Ashley Judd highlighted the vulnerability of women to deep-fake images and videos, as well as the addictive nature of AI-generated content. She discussed how 70% of teenagers were using AI chatbots. Parents who had lost their teenage children to AI chatbots shared their grief, emphasizing the urgent need for AI protection.

Sewell Setzer, father of a 14-year-old who took his own life after interacting with an AI chatbot, pledged to continue advocating for AI safety. He urged people to turn their tragedy into purpose and not be painted as zealots, emphasizing the need to do the right thing for the sake of the future of AI.