Senator Sanders Proposes Ban on Advanced AI, Citing Existential Risks

Senator Bernie Sanders has introduced new legislation aimed at banning what he terms “artificial superintelligence” and halting the development of the most advanced artificial intelligence (AI) systems. The proposed bill also calls for the establishment of a new government department specifically tasked with regulating the AI industry.

This legislative move by Senator Sanders follows recent calls from chief executive officers of major AI companies. These leaders urged the United Nations Security Council to implement global safety regulations for AI technologies. Some executives have publicly indicated a willingness to consider slowing down AI development if necessary to ensure safety.

The legislation introduced by Senator Sanders includes provisions for significant penalties for violations of its regulations. The core objective of the bill is to prevent AI systems from surpassing human cognitive abilities and to avert scenarios where AI might plan for humanity’s disempowerment. The specific details regarding the timeline for development pauses or the exact structure and powers of the proposed regulatory department were not fully elaborated in the summary provided. The contractor’s name was not provided. The fine amount was not provided.