Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Greg Casar have unveiled the Ban Artificial Superintelligence Act, which would criminalize the development of artificial superintelligence—technology described in the legislation as potentially capable of destroying or disempowering humanity, including through government overthrow. The bill imposes penalties of up to 20 years in prison for those who violate the restrictions, a term comparable to existing penalties for unlawful nuclear weapons development.
The legislation targets not only superintelligence but also advanced AI systems, which lawmakers define as frontier models trained on specific data thresholds. The bill would establish a moratorium on developing these advanced systems until the government establishes a scientist-led Department of Artificial Intelligence to oversee such technology. This new agency would be tasked with monitoring frontier AI models, removing dangerous capabilities, and overseeing the destruction of any artificial superintelligence that may be created. AI companies would be required to obtain departmental approval before developing advanced AI models.
The criminal penalties would apply to both AI company leaders and independent actors who violate the law. Sanders stated in a press release that urgent action is necessary, likening the current trajectory to racing toward a cliff and emphasizing that fundamental decisions about AI’s future should not rest with a small group of technology executives.
The proposal emerges amid broader concerns about accelerating AI development and growing calls for regulatory measures. Recent incidents involving AI models operating outside their testing environments and reports of hacking have heightened concerns about safety. A former researcher at an AI safety organization indicated earlier this month that the risk of AI causing mass casualties by the end of the decade exceeds 10 percent. California’s governor proposed competing oversight measures, including an emergency shutdown mechanism for frontier models, though the overall regulatory landscape remains uncertain.
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