Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Greg Casar introduced a bill on September 23 that would permanently ban the development and use of artificial superintelligence.
The Ban Artificial Superintelligence Act would also immediately freeze development of advanced AI systems. This freeze would stay in effect until a new federal agency can put clear safety rules in place.
Current AI models can already hack computer systems, create new types of viruses, and build new AI on their own. Companies continue to pour hundreds of billions of dollars into the technology despite known risks, according to Sanders.
Sanders states that AI poses an existential threat to humanity. He adds that a handful of tech billionaires should not get to write their own rules.
Casar warns that AI superintelligence could kill countless people. He also notes that Donald Trump wants to speed up its development.
The proposed legislation calls for the creation of a new cabinet-level AI agency.
Companies that violate the law could face forced dissolution. Individuals could face up to 20 years in prison.
This prison penalty is on par with illegal nuclear weapons development. Additionally, the legislation pushes for international agreements to prevent superintelligence development worldwide.
Both United States and Chinese experts have recently floated similar AI regulation efforts.
The next known step is the legislative process in Congress where lawmakers will review and debate the proposed bill.
