Bernie Sanders proposes legislation to ban artificial superintelligence

Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Greg Casar have introduced new legislation called the Ban Artificial Superintelligence Act. The bill proposes banning the development of artificial superintelligence, defined as a technology capable of the destruction or disempowerment of humanity, including overthrowing the government.

Pausing advanced AI development

The legislation would pause the development of advanced artificial intelligence systems, which lawmakers classify as frontier models trained on a specific threshold of data. Development would only resume once the government establishes a scientist-led Department of Artificial Intelligence to oversee the technology, monitor frontier models, and supervise the removal of dangerous features.

Penalties and oversight

Under the proposed bill, AI company leaders and rogue actors who violate the rules could face up to 20 years in prison. Companies would also be required to obtain permission from the new department before developing advanced AI models. Lawmakers note that these proposed penalties are similar to existing punishments for unlawfully developing nuclear weapons.