Sanders and Casar Propose Ban on AI Superintelligence

Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Greg Casar have proposed legislation that would permanently prohibit artificial superintelligence and pause development of advanced AI systems until the federal government establishes safety rules. The proposal would also create a Department of Artificial Intelligence and require government approval before covered systems could be deployed. The measure, called the Ban Artificial Superintelligence Act, was unveiled Wednesday. It is a proposal, not enacted law, and the available accounts do not establish whether it has been formally introduced or scheduled for congressional consideration. The lawmakers’ description defines artificial superintelligence as an AI system that exceeds human cognitive performance across most domains or has the capacity to destroy or disempower humanity. The bill would pause development of advanced systems while the proposed department creates safety requirements. Sanders’ office says the department would oversee the systems, while the proposal would require federal approval before deployment.