Sanders Unveils Bill To Ban AI Superintelligence
14 hours ago
Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Greg Casar introduced sweeping legislation Wednesday that would permanently ban the development of artificial superintelligence and temporarily pause development of the most advanced artificial intelligence systems.
The Ban Artificial Superintelligence Act would establish a new Cabinet-level Department of Artificial Intelligence tasked with developing and enforcing federal safety standards for advanced AI systems.
Under the proposal, development of advanced AI would be paused until the new department establishes safety rules and a federal model-review process. Advanced systems would then require federal approval before being deployed.
The legislation defines artificial superintelligence as AI that exceeds human cognitive performance across most areas or possesses capabilities sufficient to destroy or disempower humanity. The bill would prohibit both the development and deployment of such systems.
The proposed Department of Artificial Intelligence would monitor advanced systems for potentially dangerous capabilities and oversee enforcement of the superintelligence ban. Individuals who intentionally violate certain provisions could face penalties of up to 20 years in prison.
Sanders argues rapid advances in AI require stronger federal safeguards and international cooperation. The legislation calls for the United States to pursue agreements with other countries aimed at preventing the development of artificial superintelligence worldwide.
The proposal comes as Washington debates how aggressively the federal government should regulate rapidly advancing AI technology. Some researchers and technology-industry employees have backed stronger safeguards, while others have warned that slowing U.S. development could give China an advantage in the global AI race.
President Donald Trump has opposed broad new AI regulations, arguing that the United States should not restrict development of technology he says could have an economic impact greater than the Industrial Revolution. Trump told the U.N. General Assembly Tuesday that the Justice Department could intervene if necessary, but reiterated that he does not want regulations to stifle U.S. AI development.
The Sanders-Casar proposal now heads into a Republican-controlled Congress, where lawmakers have yet to reach agreement on comprehensive federal rules governing advanced AI.
The Ban Artificial Superintelligence Act would establish a new Cabinet-level Department of Artificial Intelligence tasked with developing and enforcing federal safety standards for advanced AI systems.
Under the proposal, development of advanced AI would be paused until the new department establishes safety rules and a federal model-review process. Advanced systems would then require federal approval before being deployed.
The legislation defines artificial superintelligence as AI that exceeds human cognitive performance across most areas or possesses capabilities sufficient to destroy or disempower humanity. The bill would prohibit both the development and deployment of such systems.
The proposed Department of Artificial Intelligence would monitor advanced systems for potentially dangerous capabilities and oversee enforcement of the superintelligence ban. Individuals who intentionally violate certain provisions could face penalties of up to 20 years in prison.
Sanders argues rapid advances in AI require stronger federal safeguards and international cooperation. The legislation calls for the United States to pursue agreements with other countries aimed at preventing the development of artificial superintelligence worldwide.
The proposal comes as Washington debates how aggressively the federal government should regulate rapidly advancing AI technology. Some researchers and technology-industry employees have backed stronger safeguards, while others have warned that slowing U.S. development could give China an advantage in the global AI race.
President Donald Trump has opposed broad new AI regulations, arguing that the United States should not restrict development of technology he says could have an economic impact greater than the Industrial Revolution. Trump told the U.N. General Assembly Tuesday that the Justice Department could intervene if necessary, but reiterated that he does not want regulations to stifle U.S. AI development.
The Sanders-Casar proposal now heads into a Republican-controlled Congress, where lawmakers have yet to reach agreement on comprehensive federal rules governing advanced AI.
