Bernie Sanders and Greg Casar propose AI ‘superintelligence’ ban with a 20-year jail penalty

Key Points:

• Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Greg Casar introduced the Ban Artificial Superintelligence Act, proposing a halt on advanced AI development until a new Department of Artificial Intelligence is established to regulate it, with severe penalties including up to 20 years in jail and a “corporate death penalty” for violations.
• The bill aims to prevent recursive self-improvement in AI, a process that could lead to AI systems autonomously enhancing their intelligence beyond human control, though experts warn defining “superintelligence” is technically challenging.
• The proposal received praise from some AI safety advocates for its strong stance, but critics argue it is unrealistic, potentially unconstitutional, and unlikely to pass given industry opposition and current political dynamics.
• Other lawmakers, including Sen. Maria Cantwell and Sen. Ted Cruz, are working on alternative AI legislation focused on safety standards, independent testing, and international cooperation, but bipartisan agreement and concrete bills remain elusive.
• With Congress largely inactive on AI regulation ahead of midterm elections, prospects for meaningful AI legislation in the near term are dim, as reflected by recent failed efforts such as a proposed AI “kill switch” bill.