Sanders bill seeks to criminalize artificial superintelligence development
The proposal would halt some frontier AI work until a new federal department is set up to license and police advanced systems.
Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Greg Casar have introduced the Ban Artificial Superintelligence Act, which would prohibit development of artificial superintelligence systems defined as capable of destroying or subjugating humanity. The bill would also impose a moratorium on training certain high-end “frontier” AI models until a new, scientist-led Department of Artificial Intelligence is established. This proposed department would license advanced AI development, oversee safety measures, and even manage the dismantling of any artificial superintelligence that might be created. Executives at AI companies and independent actors who violate the act’s restrictions could face criminal penalties of up to 20 years in prison, a level the sponsors compare to sanctions for illegal nuclear weapons work. The proposal reflects escalating political concern over frontier AI risks and an appetite for much more stringent federal control over advanced model development.
Why it matters
If this bill advances, leaders of AI companies and independent developers building certain high-end systems could face penalties comparable to those for illegal nuclear work, and large parts of frontier AI research in the US could be paused unless and until a new Department of Artificial Intelligence is created to license it, monitor powerful models, strip out dangerous capabilities and, if needed, oversee their destruction, reflecting mounting political pressure to slow rapid AI progress.
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