Senator Bernie Sanders and Trump ally Steve Bannon unite in calls for more AI oversight

Senator Bernie Sanders and former Trump strategist Steve Bannon have joined forces in urging for increased oversight of artificial intelligence technology. The pair argue that the lack of regulation could lead to severe consequences, including job losses, loss of control over advanced AI, potential biological warfare, higher energy prices, and concentration of power among a few AI giants, according to Reuters.

Sanders specifically highlights the potential for tens of millions of job losses due to AI, making it increasingly difficult for younger generations to secure employment. This perspective has prompted Trump to call for an international agreement with Chinese President Xi Jinping during an upcoming meeting, aiming to pause the development of advanced AI, per the source.

The call for regulation echoes Sanders' broader legislative efforts, which include a permanent ban on artificial superintelligence, temporary pauses on other advanced AI, and the establishment of a new federal AI regulator. Additionally, Sanders advocates for further international agreements to address the issue.

Bannon, however, takes a slightly different approach, criticizing the Trump administration for its light-touch approach to AI regulation. He attributes this to close ties with American tech giants and emphasizes the need to block Chinese access to advanced American chips and other relevant hardware.

While opinions on AI regulation are divided, the current administration is generally viewed as more pro-American innovation than anti-AI. House Speaker Mike Johnson has cautioned that slowing down US development could result in losing the country's competitive advantage over China. Nevertheless, it is evident that artificial intelligence has become a significant political topic, and with the upcoming US midterm elections, the situation may evolve significantly.