Sanders Casar Bill Seeks AI Superintelligence Ban

Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Greg Casar have introduced legislation aimed at permanently banning the development and deployment of artificial superintelligence (ASI) and pausing advanced artificial intelligence (AI) development. The proposed "Ban Artificial Superintelligence Act," announced on September 3, 2026, seeks to establish strict regulations and severe penalties in response to growing concerns about AI systems becoming uncontrollable. The legislation defines artificial superintelligence as systems capable of matching or exceeding human cognitive performance across a broad range of tasks, or possessing the ability to plan and execute the disempowerment of humanity, including undermining or overthrowing governments. It also targets AI systems with dangerous capabilities, such as subverting shutdown commands or conducting unauthorized cyberattacks. The bill proposes a temporary halt to advanced AI development until a new cabinet-level federal agency is established to create safety rules and review processes for AI models.