U.S. bill seeks permanent artificial superintelligence ban and new federal AI agency

Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Greg Casar introduced the Ban Artificial Superintelligence Act on September 23. The proposal would permanently ban the development and use of artificial superintelligence. It would also immediately freeze development of advanced AI systems until a new federal agency can establish clear safety rules.

The article says Sanders argues that current AI models can already hack computer systems, create new types of viruses, and build new AI on their own. It also notes his concern that companies are investing hundreds of billions of dollars in the technology despite known risks. Casar is described as warning that AI superintelligence could kill countless people, while Donald Trump wants to speed up its development.

The bill calls for a new cabinet-level AI agency to oversee the proposed restrictions and safety framework. Companies that violate the law could face forced dissolution. Individuals could face up to 20 years in prison, a penalty described as comparable to illegal nuclear weapons development.

The legislation also pushes for international agreements aimed at preventing superintelligence development worldwide. That matters because advanced AI development is not limited to one country, and any durable ban would likely require coordination beyond U.S. borders. The article notes that U.S. and Chinese experts have recently floated similar AI regulation efforts.