‘It doesn’t take a genius to say, ‘slow it down”: Bernie Sanders unveils bill to ban artificial superintelligence

Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Greg Casar have introduced a bill that seeks to ban artificial superintelligence and establish a federal agency to regulate advanced AI technology. The bill also proposes a temporary pause in the development of cutting-edge AI systems until safety guidelines are established, followed by federal approval before deployment.

Violations could result in significant penalties, including up to 20 years in prison. Multiple employees from leading AI companies have expressed support for the bill, highlighting concerns about the potential catastrophic risks associated with superintelligent AI systems that could outpace human control. The legislation faces significant hurdles in the Republican-controlled Congress, but it reflects the growing concern among Democrats, voters, and industry leaders about the environmental impacts and local ramifications of AI development, particularly as the technology becomes increasingly prominent in the upcoming midterms and 2028 presidential election.