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EQUIPThe Verge · 1h ago

Bernie Sanders proposes banning ‘superintelligence’ and putting violators in prison

Executive Brief

The 30-second read

Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Greg Casar introduced the Ban Artificial Superintelligence Act to criminalize the development of highly advanced AI systems. The proposed legislation targets technology deemed capable of human disempowerment and carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

  • 01The bill defines superintelligence as technology capable of destroying humanity or overthrowing the government
  • 02AI developers could face 20-year prison sentences for violating the proposed development ban
  • 03Legislative focus shifts from general AI regulation to strict criminalization of existential risk levels
  • 04The act establishes a legal framework for prosecuting leaders in the artificial intelligence sector

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Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Rep. Greg Casar (D-TX) have introduced new legislation that would ban anyone from developing artificial superintelligence - a technology the bill describes as capable of the "destruction or disempowerment of humanity," including by overthrowing the government. Under the Ban Artificial Superintelligence Act, AI leaders would face up to 20 years […]