USA: A Bill to Ban Superintelligence and Create an Agency

The Ban Artificial Superintelligence Act proposes the creation of a federal AI agency at the cabinet level, sanctions of up to 20 years in prison, and the dissolution of companies in case of violations. Championed by Bernie Sanders and Greg Casar, the bill would also establish an immediate freeze on advanced AI systems and a permanent ban on superintelligence, along with a call for international agreements.

The bill includes dissolutions and up to 20 years in prison

The legislation stipulates that companies violating the law could be forcibly dissolved. Individuals could face up to 20 years in prison, a penalty presented as equivalent to that for the illegal development of nuclear weapons. The creation of a federal AI agency with cabinet-level status is also proposed. The authors call for international agreements to prevent the development of superintelligence worldwide. Additionally, American and Chinese experts have recently discussed similar initiatives regarding AI regulation.

An immediate freeze on advanced AIs pending new rules

The Ban Artificial Superintelligence Act would impose an immediate moratorium on the development of advanced AI systems, which would remain in effect until a new federal agency establishes clear safety rules. A permanent ban on the development and use of superintelligent intelligence is also planned. This provision distinguishes superintelligence from other forms of AI, which would be subject to the freeze until regulation is established.

Risks cited by proponents and political divide

The proposal, unveiled on September 23 by Bernie Sanders and Greg Casar, is based on dangers considered immediate by its supporters. According to Bernie Sanders, some existing AI models could infiltrate computer systems, design new viruses, and autonomously generate new artificial intelligences. He highlights that companies are spending hundreds of billions of dollars on these technologies even as risks are identified. Sanders views AI as an existential threat to humanity and believes that a small group of technology billionaires should not set the rules. Greg Casar warns that superintelligence could lead to the deaths of many people. Donald Trump, on the other hand, is portrayed as wanting to accelerate the development of superintelligent AI.