US political rivals Sanders and Bannon unite on AI warning

Progressive Senator Bernie Sanders and conservative podcaster Steve Bannon, once political foes, are set to unite on Tuesday to advocate for restrictions on AI systems, expressing worry that the technology could pose a threat to humans, Reuters reported. The two will address a Washington gathering, reflecting how AI concerns are challenging political conventions.

Growing alarm about AI's potential risks emerged after researcher Jacob Coxon resigned due to fears that AI could end humanity by the end of the decade. AI-related stocks dipped globally on Monday as leaders from major companies called for a slowdown in the technology's development. Bannon, a long-time Trump ally, criticized the president's handling of AI oversight, blaming tech firms for his reluctance to regulate.

On his podcast, Bannon urged Congress not to pass laws preventing states from implementing their own AI regulations. Meanwhile, U.S. senators are discussing a bill that would prevent states from enforcing their own AI laws, with such efforts previously failing in the Senate. Trump dismissed Monday's industry concerns about AI's potential misuse, claiming the U.S. already has safeguards for the powerful technology.

Sanders, alongside House progressive Rep. Greg Casar, has proposed legislation to halt the development of AI tools that could threaten the U.S. government, pending creation of a new agency to oversee the technology. Joining Sanders and Bannon at Tuesday's event are AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and Walter Kim, president of the National Association of Evangelicals, according to organizers.