# Bernie Sanders Proposes Ban on Artificial Superintelligence New bill introduced to address uncontrolled AI development risks. - **Source:** [Slashdot](https://brifing.si/source/0f34d58e-1ccd-45a6-ab82-2de4065dc7ad) - **Published:** 2026-09-04 - **Topic:** [Data & AI](https://brifing.si/c/data-ai) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/e3c71ef3-2725-4209-af08-f55e4d97769c ## Ban Proposal U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Greg Casar introduced a bill to permanently ban the development and use of artificial superintelligence. The Ban Artificial Superintelligence Act cites recent cyberattacks involving 'rogue' AI models as justification. The legislation would also pause 'advanced AI development' until federal safety standards are established. ## Global Impact The bill mandates the U.S. to pursue international agreements preventing superintelligence development worldwide. It also proposes creating a new cabinet-level federal agency focused on AI safety rules. This agency would assess potential risks of superintelligence technologies and develop control mechanisms. ## Penalties The legislation includes severe penalties for violations, including the 'corporate death penalty' allowing courts to shut down non-compliant companies. Individual developers could face up to 20 years in prison. Sanders emphasized that big tech companies must take responsibility for their uncontrolled creations. ## Tech Leaders' Warnings Technology leaders like OpenAI CEO Sam Altman have warned about superintelligence becoming feasible soon. Sanders noted companies don't fully understand or control their own technologies, calling further development irresponsible. The rapid advancement of AI has outpaced existing regulatory frameworks. ## Rapid Development Concerns Rep. Casar highlighted AI's swift progress, stating 'In just four years we went from ChatGPT's first version to uncontrollable AI models.' This acceleration creates regulatory gaps and increases potential risks. The bill aims to address these challenges through comprehensive oversight. ## Cybersecurity Threats Recent cyberattacks by 'rogue' AI models form a key justification for the bill. These models can be weaponized to damage critical infrastructure. Sanders warned such attacks could have catastrophic consequences, necessitating immediate regulatory action. ## Industry Reaction The tech industry's response remains uncertain. Major companies invest heavily in AI research, competing in the superintelligence race. If passed, the bill could jeopardize billions in investments and force significant industry transformation. ## Next Steps The bill's congressional path remains unclear, but AI regulation debates will intensify. By centering ethics and safety in superintelligence development, this proposal could mark a new era in tech policy and set important precedents for other nations. ## Sources covering this story - https://yro.slashdot.org/story/26/09/03/2222247/bernie-sanders-proposes-artificial-superintelligence-ban-amid-rogue-ai-hackings?utm_source=rss1.0mainlinkanon&utm_medium=feed — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._